![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Prescription Medication Collection
A Maine community has taken steps to address the improper disposal of medications, an escalating problem in the United States due to the increasing number of elderly adults. Studies show that many streams contain traces of chemicals found in pharmaceuticals due to their improper disposal.
To encourage the proper disposal of unwanted prescription drugs, the EPA Region 1, along with the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc., Maine Department of Environmental Protection, CVS Pharmacy, and the South Portland Police Department participated in a collection pilot in South Portland, Maine. This take-back effort netted 50 gallons of medications from 52 people from 17 Maine communities. The medications included antibiotics, antidepressants, and pain medications, among others.
The success of this event has paved the way for future collection events.
In the near future the Maine legislature will meet to discuss whether related collections, or turn-ins, could be done at pharmacies. They will also address incorporating a mail-back system.
For More Information:
- Drug Take-Back Event in South Portland, Maine Encourages Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs
- Final
Report of the Maine Drug Return Implementation Group (PDF)
(16 pp, 49K, about
PDF)
- Contact Sheryl Rosner (rosner.sheryl@epa.gov)