By Randy Koniowka
Starting today, and continuing through this week, you can take most unwanted pharmaceuticals to Marra's Pharmacy where they will be properly disposed of. The program is being tied in with earth week, and according to Mayor John McDonald, is off to a great start. "We have had 10-15 people come in since yesterday."
According to McDonald, it's a program they have been talking about for years. "It's something we always wanted to do. The program will cost us around 500 dollars, but it's not about the money. It's a good community thing to do, it protects our families and our environment."
However, controlled substances such as hydro codeine and some hazardous drugs such as nitroglycerin, cannot be accepted. For these, McDonald recommends removing them from the identifiable container, grinding them down with coffee grinds or cat litter, placing them in a sealable container and disposing in the regular trash.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, pharmaceuticals that are flushed down the toilet can wind up in waste water, which goes into our rivers and streams, which then go into our municipal water systems. A 1999-2000 nationwide study conducted by the United States Geological Survey, found low levels of hormones, antibiotics, and contraceptives in the water bodies that were tested.
Asked if whether they will conduct the program in the future, McDonald stated, "Let's see how this week goes, but it's definatly something we look toward as a long term continual process."
For more information on the proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, go to http://www.dontflushyourdrugs.net/
Marra's Pharmacy is located at 217 Remsen Street and can be reached at 238-2110 and online at http://www.marrarx.com/
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