Free Drop Off for Pharmaceutical Drugs and Sharps Offered in Iowa City this Friday and Saturday

Iowa City Media Release

Two free pharmaceutical drug and sharps drop-off and disposal programs are scheduled for Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, 2013. These events allow Johnson County residents to safely dispose of unused or outdated prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as needles and sharps.

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The goal of these events is to help prevent abuse or accidental ingestion of prescription drugs, and also promotes environmental sustainability. Friday's event will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Iowa City Senior Center, 128 S. Linn Street. Saturday's event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Boulevard SE in Iowa City. 

Saturday's activities are part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's "National Take Back Initiative" collection. Other events in the area on Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will accept pharmaceuticals, but not sharps. For more locations, please visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. 

Organizers stress that area residents should utilize this program to safely dispose of their pharmaceuticals rather than flushing them down a sink or toilet, or tossing them into the garbage. Most wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not able to remove pharmaceutical chemicals, which means that flushed medications can contaminate rivers and lakes, as well as sources of drinking water. 

Prior to dropping off medications, participants should remove excess packaging and black out any personal information on bottles and vials. Pet medications will also be accepted. 

Needles and sharps should be sealed in rigid plastic containers with lids, such as coffee cans, ice cream pails, or laundry detergent bottles. Plastic containers made of thinner plastic, such as milk jugs, should not be used. Please note that needles and sharps in unsafe containers, such as cardboard boxes will NOT be accepted. Other medical waste, such as IV bags, nebulizer machines, or thermometers, will not be accepted at the drop-off.

The event is sponsored by the City of Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center, the Iowa City Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and American Pharmacists Association.

For more information, contact Iowa City Recycling Coordinator Jen Jordan at 319/887-6160 or e-mail jennifer-jordan@iowa-city.org.