[Pharmwaste] Novel program to curb pollution from drugs

[gressitt]

Does anyone know if there is a photo available for these post boxes? Stevan
Gressitt

-----Original Message-----
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of
DeBiasi,Deborah
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 2:23 PM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Novel program to curb pollution from drugs

 
Novel program to curb pollution from drugs 

By Jennifer Gentile/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com 

Article Launched:01/07/2007 07:42:02 AM PST 
 
Toilets and garbage cans are not places for unwanted medications, and
with a new program in Vacaville, residents can dispose of them properly.

Within the past week or so, according to Recycling Coordinator Kari
Holmes, a secure white collection container appeared in the lobby of the
Vacaville Police Department. Holmes said the U.S. Postal Service donated
the container, which was refurbished for the collection of
pharmaceuticals. 

The collection receptacle, although a different color, is still
identifiable as a former mailbox. 

"I started looking into this in September of 2006, after San Mateo
started a program," Holmes said. "There is currently not an avenue for
disposal, and this provides a safe and secure way." 

One of the goals of the program, she said, is to prevent drugs from
being flushed or thrown away, thus finding their way into landfills or
the water supply. Other objectives are to reduce instances of
recreational drug use and potentially harmful medication mistakes. 

According to Holmes, the medications will be taken to a licensed
facility and incinerated. The program will not accept needles or illegal
substances. 

When San Mateo tried the program for a week in 2005, before implementing
it permanently in September of 2006, the county reportedly collected 235
pounds of drugs. According to a news release about the program, these
ranged from over-the-counter medicines to prescription-strength
painkillers. 

Drug pollution is a matter of significant concern to environmental
experts, according to the release. 

"Preliminary evidence already exists showing detectable levels of human
medicines in some fish and frogs," the release states. "Long-term
environmental effects remain under study." 

The San Mateo program now has four collection points, three at police
stations and one at the Sheriff's Office. Bill Chiang, legislative aide
to Supervisor Adrienne Tissier, said, "It has been very well received." 

"Our program has worked very well," Chiang said. "I'd say we've
collected about 200 pounds of pharmaceuticals (since September)." 

Amid frequent news reports of teen "pharm" parties and the harmful
effects of medications in the water supply, Tissier said the more
communities that address the issue, the better. 

"People are really catching on to this," she said, adding, "I'm really
pleased to see Vacaville tackling it as well." 

Holmes said it is too early to tell how the program will be received
locally. She said the city will try to generate awareness and
participation, through a public outreach campaign consisting of press
releases, postings on the city's Web site, and print advertisements. 

"We expect to see higher volumes collected once that begins," Holmes
said. 

Residents who drop off their medications are asked to first black out or
remove any personal information from the containers. Collection hours at
the VPD are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Jennifer Gentile can be reached at vacaville at thereporter.com. 
 

Deborah L. DeBiasi
Email:   dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov
WEB site address:  www.deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Water Permit Programs
Industrial Pretreatment/Toxics Management Program
Mail:          P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA  23218 (NEW!)
Location:  629 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA  23219
PH:         804-698-4028
FAX:      804-698-4032

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