[Pharmwaste] RE: Volume of

Catherine Zimmer zimme053 at umn.edu
Tue Aug 28 14:22:56 EDT 2007


Hi Marta,
Try converting the tons to milligrams, and then maybe 100 mg--for the 
average dosage pill type. 

Catherine Zimmer
Health Care Specialist

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
University of Minnesota
612/624-4635, 800/247-0015
http://www.mntap.umn.edu

Helping Minnesota businesses maximize resource efficiency, prevent pollution and reduce costs.



Marta Keane wrote:
> 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!
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> Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
> http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pharmwaste
>   


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