Have Unused or Expired Medications? Three Drop-Off Disposal Programs Scheduled in October

Media Release

Three free pharmaceutical drug disposal programs are scheduled in Iowa City in October to allow Johnson County residents to safely get rid of unused or outdated prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as needles and sharps. The events help prevent abuse or accidental ingestion of prescription drugs, and also promote environmental sustainability by disposing of the materials properly. The events are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, October 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Towncrest Pharmacy, 2306 Muscatine Avenue;
• Friday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Iowa City Senior Center, 128 S. Linn Street; and
• Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE in Iowa City.

The Saturday event is part of the Drug Enforcement Agency's "National Take Back Initiative" collection. Other events scheduled in the area on Saturday will accept pharmaceuticals, but not sharps. For more locations, visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.

Organizers stress that area residents should utilize this program to safely dispose of their pharmaceuticals rather than flushing them down a sink or toilet or tossing them into the garbage. Most wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not able to remove pharmaceutical chemicals, which means that medications that are flushed can contaminate rivers and lakes, as well as sources of drinking water.

Prior to dropping off medications, participants should remove excess packaging and black out any personal information on bottle and vials. Pet meds will also be accepted. Needles and sharps should be sealed in rigid plastic containers with lids, such as coffee cans, ice cream pails, or laundry detergent bottles. Plastic containers made of thinner plastic, such as milk jugs, should not be used. Please note that needles and sharps in unsafe containers such as cardboard boxes will not be accepted. Other medical waste, such as IV bags, nebulizer machines, or thermometers, will not be accepted at the drop-off.

The events are sponsored by the City of Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center, the Iowa City Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, American Pharmacists Association (UI Pharmacy Students), the Senior Center, and Towncrest Pharmacy.