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MCC Daily Tribune

Green Tip: Properly Dispose of Pharmaceuticals

According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, pharmaceutical contamination, such as from expired or thrown-away medications, that enter our surface and groundwater is a growing problem. New York State has a statewide pharmaceutical drug take-back program, funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers under the Drug Take Back Act signed in 2018.

Individuals can find a free collection site near them.  In Monroe County there are several collection sites: Ecopark as well as local police stations (Brighton, Brockport, East Rochester, Fairport, Greece, Irondequoit and Ogden), Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Substations, and some hospitals and pharmacies have collection boxes. Monroe County also holds collections three times per year at selected Wegmans pharmacies. You should check the site online before taking items to a collection site as some sites do not accept all items. Help protect our waters and properly dispose of unneeded and expired medications.

Acceptable items:

  • Prescription medications (no illegal drugs)
  • Over the counter medications
  • Pet medications
  • Ointments and creams
  • Sprays and inhalers
  • Vials
  • Prescription/over the counter medication bottles
  • *Vape pens & electronic cigarettes (including e-liquids)

* Vape pens and electronic cigarettes are products used to deliver e-liquids, e.g. nicotine, cannabis, and flavorings. Both the products and e-liquids are considered hazardous wastes and are prohibited from being disposed of in the trash.

Ann Penwarden
Sustainability Steering Committee
04/11/2023