[Pharmwaste] Pharmaceutical drop off event at College Campuses during move out?

[Ed Gottlieb]

Hi Paul,
 
This year, an Ithaca College (IC) student took on the task, rather last minute, of organizing a campus take back for non-controlled in the week leading up to the April 27th DEA collection.  It was done in the IC health center where staff had the expertise to not accept controlled.  I think they collected about 6 pounds.  I know some fliers were posted on campus.  Don't know what other outreach was done.  
 
A few years ago, before we installed a drop-box at the Cornell University (CU) Police station, we discussed the possibility of holding a collection event there at the end of the school year.  Staff that clean the dorms routinely find abandoned medications.  
It didn't end up happening primarily because getting required state permits to collect controlled substances would have taken a substantial amount of time and effort.  I have been told that will remain the case in NY even after the new DEA regulations take effect.  
 
During the discussions with CU, we did conclude that choosing the right date was key to a successful event.  Too soon before the end of the semester and students might not be ready to part with medications that might still be needed.  Too close to the end and students would be so focused on finals that they probably wouldn't take the time to participate.    
 
Like you, I'm curious to hear if anyone has done an end of term collection at a campus and if they think they found the "sweet spot" timing for the event. 
My own opinion is that a well advertized campus drop-box would be a more convenient disposal option than a one day event.  Of the eight new boxes that opened for use in Tompkins Count on April 27, the only one to deliver a load to the Sheriff for storage was CU (29.65 pounds.)  Be prepared for delays if you decide to do drop-boxes.  We purchased one for IC after their police chief told us she wanted it.  She did warn us that it still required approval by Administration.  Her request was submitted to the schools General Council 18 months ago.  A decision has not yet been made. 
 

Ed Gottlieb
Chair, Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal 
Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator 
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
525 3rd Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 273-8381
fax: (607) 273-8433

>>> "Prange, Paul" <Paul.Prange at sanjoseca.gov> 6/7/2013 11:23 AM >>>

Has anyone done or do you know about anyone who has done a Pharmaceutical drop off event at the end of term at a College Campus?  It seems like the students would be disposing of all their collected meds as they move out of student housing so I would be interested to hear if this actually worked as a collection event.  Please send me a link if you have it. 
 
Thank you 
 
Paul Prange
Pollution Prevention
Watershed Protection
City of San Jose
Phone 408-793-5325
paul.prange at sanjoseca.gov
 
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