- By Marcia E. Lynch
- Around Town
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Tompkins County Sheriff's Deputies will be on-site to take custody of outdated or otherwise unwanted pharmaceuticals for safe destruction. This event is being done in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency's Take-Back Initiative.
"Clearing out unneeded medications from your medicine cabinet, and using a take-back event or drop box for safe disposal, is a simple way you can help prevent illegal diversion, accidental overdose, and environmental contamination." says Ed Gottlieb, pre-treatment coordinator at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, and chair of the Coalition, which has sponsored drug take-back events since 2010.
Beth Harrington, Assistant Director & EMS Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response, is coordinating this collection. "If you can't make it to April 30 Slaterville Fire Station collection, please use one of the nine permanent drop boxes for unwanted medications located across the County."
"Over-the-counter, prescription, and pet medications are all accepted." explained Susan Dunlop, Community Health Nurse, at the Tompkins County Health Department and member of the coalition. "Even liquid medications, in tightly capped bottles, are accepted at events and drop boxes." Needles and other "sharps" are not accepted.
The Slaterville collection is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 30th at 2681 Slaterville Road.
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