Participate in special medication collection programs to keep surface and ground water clean, and prevent abuse of pharmaceuticals.
The Department of Waste Management in partnership with the the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, local law enforcement agencies and other groups offer a number of special collection programs to properly dispose of unwanted and expired medications. See below for event dates, times and locations.
These special services are offered to safegaurd the environment, and also provide legal outlets for the disposal of substances regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Residents are encouraged to participate in these events to dispose of medications responsibly. Medications should never be disposed of by flushing or pouring items “down the drain”. Most substances are not able to be filtered by water treatment plants. As a result they can end up in surface waters and negatively impact local ecosystems, and possibly affect human health. Landfill disposal has similar challenges. The preferred disposal alternative is through special incineration technologies, which destroy chemical compounds while preventing pollution to the environment. Don't miss these great opportunities to clean out home medicine cabinets and ensure unwanted pharmaceuticals are managed properly. For more information about any of the events listed below, contact the Department of Waste Management at 989-224-5186 or conserve@clinton-county.org.
- Saturday, April 21, 2012: 8:00-2:00 pm at the Clean Community Event in St. Johns
- Friday, June 1, 2012 2:00 pm-5:00 pm at the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Pharmacy at 901 S. Oakland Street in St. Johns.
- Saturday, August 25, 2012: 8:00 am-2:00 pm at the Clean Community Event in DeWitt Township - location to be provided when an appointment is made.
- Saturday, October 13, 2012: 9:00 am-12:00 pm at the Clinton Community Health Fair at RESA - 1013 S. US 127 #A in St. Johns.
- Friday, December 7, 2012: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm at the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Pharmacy at 901 S. Oakland Street in St. Johns.
The Sparrow Clinton Hospital Pharmacy can accept all non-controlled pills, tablets and liquids year round, free of charge through the Old Drug Yellow Jog program. Please call (989) 224-8155. Residents may purchase a mail back pouch for unwanted medications at most Walgreens, Kroger Pharmacies, Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacies. Please call your local store first for details.
Visit this website for additional participating locations http://www.greatlakescleanwater.org.