4/16/2012
Turn in extra medicine April 28 to protect families, environment
Vancouver, WA – If you have medication no longer needed, you can dispose of it safely on Saturday, April 28, just as many people did during highly successful collection drives in 2011.
During last year’s events, more than 380 people brought in almost 700 pounds of unwanted medications for disposal by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, more than 200 pounds of paper, cardboard, glass and plastic containers were collected and recycled.
This year an event has been scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Clark College’s Purple Parking Lot #1 (by the soccer field), 1900 Fort Vancouver Way. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Clark County Department of Environmental Services, in partnership with PREVENT! The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Clark County and Clark College.
The 2008 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey found that one in 10 high school seniors admitted to misusing prescription drugs in the previous 30 days. Prescription drugs no longer needed and left in homes increase the risk of dangerous and inappropriate uses.
Proper drug disposal also is an environmental issue. Unused medications should not be flushed down the toilet or dumped down the drain.
Unwanted medications also can be disposed of at several collection sites across Clark County. Controlled substances, such as pain killers and tranquilizers, can be taken to participating law enforcement agencies. Non-controlled substances, such as over-the-counter medications, can be taken to local participating pharmacies. All unwanted medications (controlled and non-controlled) will be accepted at the April 28 collection event.
For more information on both types of disposal, visit “Medications” at RecyclingA-Z.com.
For more information about disposal or recycling options, call Clark County Environmental Services at (360) 397-2121 ext. 4352.
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