After a person's finished a course of prescription medication, it can be tough to know what to do with any leftovers. Flushing them down the toilet is not a good idea, as the medicine can end up in the water supply. Putting the pills in the trash is not ideal either because of environmental concerns. There is also the issue of safety – old medications need to be kept out of the hands of children who might accidentally take them.
Since the drug take back program began eight years ago, in 2010, more than 42,000 pounds of unwanted medicines have been brought in to events nationwide.
As Kevin Steele, the district attorney for Lower Merion, told Patch:
"Folks are getting the message that they need to get these medicines out of their homes and have them disposed of in a safe manner.”
The Lower Merion event is scheduled for April 28 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Area police departments who are hosting similar events often use poster printing to let people in the region know about them.
The Drug Take Back program will take place at the Lower Merion Police Department, on 71 East Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore.