[Pharmwaste] RE: Volume of

[Marta Keane]

I am starting a pilot take-back program with a local pharmacy and in creating the brochure, I was using the following statement "Each year approximately 4,600 tons of pharmaceuticals and personal care products enter the waste stream."  

While this is a very large number, it doesn't give people the visual I was hoping for.  Most medications are very lightweight and I imagine the volume is more impressive than the actual weight. Does anyone know the volume of 4,600 tons of pharmaceuticals and personal care products?  

I was wondering how many garbage trucks that fills?  
How many football fields? 
Anyone know of something equal volume-wise that people can visualize?

Thanks for your help!

Marta Keane, Recycling Program Specialist
Will County Land Use - Waste Services
58 E. Clinton Street, Suite 500
Joliet, IL  60432
815-774-4343
mkeane at willcountylanduse.com
Recycle at home and at work!