For Immediate Release: Oct. 17, 2011
RECYCLING AND MEDICINE COLLECTION EVENT MAKES ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARSHIP EASY
~DEP, SWIX, Costco and others partner to properly dispose of more than 85 pounds of unused or expired prescriptions and medications~
 Patricia Roett, Leon County Department of Health and Suzanne Boroff, Florida Department of Environmental Protection staffed the table for Operation Medicine Cabinet. At the end of the day, more than 1,200 medicine containers were collected.
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Southern Waste Information eXchange, Inc. (SWIX), along with Costco and other partners, collected more than 85 pounds of unused or expired prescriptions and medications last weekend at a free medicine collection event held at the Costco store in Tallahassee. Other partners in Operation Medicine Cabinet included the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Public Works Department, Florida Department of Health, 94.9 TNT radio station, Florida Pharmacy Association, Florida Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, Florida State University (Center for Biomedical and Toxicological Research) and Comcast.
“Improper disposal of medicine has potential environmental, health and safety risks,” said Jorge Caspary, P.G., Director of DEP’s Division of Waste Management. “This event made it easy for residents to safely remove potentially dangerous medicine from their homes and prevent it from contaminating our water.”
Proper disposal of unused or expired prescriptions and medications is important. When unused or expired medications are kept in the home, it increases the chance of illegal use. Improper disposal, such as flushing or pouring liquid medications down the sink, can contaminate the water, including drinking water.
“Costco was glad to assist with Operation Medicine Cabinet,” said Costco General Manager Armando Zapata. “By collecting these drugs we know that we are providing a valuable service to the residents of Tallahassee and Leon County and assisting in the protection of our environment at the same time.”
Over 80 residents from Tallahassee and Leon County came to the event and more than 1,200 medicine containers totaling 88 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription drugs and over the counter medications were collected. All of the collected drugs will remain in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office until they are destroyed properly by incineration. Participants received a Free State Parks pass and DEP’s Easy As One – Proper Medication Disposal Information card.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. DEP enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally-sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves.
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