MWRD Celebrates DEA's National Take-Back Day

Staff at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD’s) Calumet, Egan, O’Brien and Stickney Water Reclamation Plants collected 161 lb of unwanted or expired medications from the public during the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) national Take-Back day on April 26.

The DEA launched its first Take-Back event in September 2010 to offer a more environmentally responsible and secure way to dispose of medications. Wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove minute concentrations of pharmaceuticals and as a result, the chemicals could wind up in our streams and waterways and potentially have a negative impact on water quality.

There are many ways to reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals before they reach treatment facilities and/or the waterways. The first is to complete the course of treatment as prescribed by the physician. For over-the-counter products, monitor your supply and store them in one location at home to prevent the purchase of additional or extras. Once the pharmaceuticals are in your home, never pour them down the toilet or drain and never give or sell them to others.

The city of Chicago collects unwanted medicines 24 hour per day, seven days per week at all of its police facilities.

Source: MWRD