To the Editor:
(April 2013) Saturday, April 27th is the date for the ‘Safe Pill Drop Off’ hosted by the Madison County Dept. of Solid Waste at the main landfill site on Buyea Rd. in the town of Lincoln. We are fortunate here in Madison County to have this convenient program for residents to dispose of their old and unwanted medications.
I have been involved in the Safe Pill Drop Off since 2009 and it is very rewarding to offer such a needed and worthwhile program. Residents who have experienced recent death of a loved one are especially grateful to have a safe place to dispose of unused medication.
This spring marks the fifth year of collection for unwanted and expired medication in Madison County. Since 2009, over 2,000 pounds of unwanted medications and veterinary medicines have been taken for incineration through the program keeping them out of the groundwater and out of the hands of potential drug abusers.
The event is staffed by Madison County Sheriff’s Office and co-sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Madison County Dept. of Solid Waste, BRiDGES, and the Madison County STOP DWI program along with some very dedicated volunteers.
Bring your medications in their original prescription bottle, just black out any personal information on the container with a magic marker. Original bottles help the on-site medical professionals identify the medication being dropped off. Veterinary medications, over the counter medications and ‘sharps’ (used needles) are also accepted. Sharps need to be in a red bio hazard container. These can be obtained for free at any Madison County pharmacy.
I urge all Madison County residents to clean out your medicine cabinets and dispose of your unwanted meds properly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th. Come on down to the landfill! It’s FREE.
Mary Bartlett, Erieville