News Release – For Immediate Release
City of Sanibel
April 4, 2008
Contact: Sanibel City Hall (239) 472-3700
SANIBEL PHARMACIES AGREE TO DISPOSE OF UNUSED PHARMACEUTICALS AND PROTECT SANIBEL’S WATER QUALITY
Improper disposal of prescription and over the counter pharmaceuticals pass through sewage treatment plants and septic tanks into surface waters, soils and groundwater. Pharmaceuticals can kill helpful bacteria in septic systems and pass largely untouched through sewage treatment plants. The US Environmental Protection Agency has recently cautioned consumers against disposing of hormones and contraceptives that contain hormones, down the toilet or sink as the estrogen can contaminate streams, rivers and lakes. Other pharmaceuticals that have been identified in water supplies include: beta blockers, caffeine, valium, albuterol and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The City of Sanibel encourages residents to dispose of their unused or expired prescriptions and over the counter pharmaceuticals by dropping them off at the following locations:
Island Pharmacy CVS Pharmacy
2330 Palm Ridge Road, #12 2331 Palm Ridge Road
(239) 472-6188 (239) 472-1719
Each of the local pharmacies has agreed to properly dispose of medications. If you cannot drop your medications off at the pharmacy and must dispose of them in the trash, take the following precautions:
Ø Scratch or tear your name, address, phone number and medication information off of the label to protect your identity.
Ø Leave the medication in the original pill bottle and add water. Allow pills to dissolve in water and then add flour or a thickening agent. You can also use an undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or kitty litter.
Ø Place pill bottles in an impermeable, nondescript container before placing in trash.
By dropping off your unwanted medications for disposal at your local pharmacy, you are protecting your identity while protecting Sanibel’s fragile water quality and environment.
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