05/30/09: Getzville Prescription Drug Collection Protects WNY Waterways

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 05/30/09
It’s not a trash dump, but a pharmaceutical drug collection that has people pouring into the Getzville Volunteer Fire Department. University of Buffalo health officials say if prescription drugs are improperly disposed of they can contaminate rivers, lakes and streams.
UB and Amherst area law enforcement teamed up to help residents properly dispose old expired medication.
Police, fire, University of Buffalo Pharmacy School and Erie County Environmental officials held a free anonymous drug collection.
“We think that it’s very important to protect patient safety and if it means protecting the community as well that’s something that’s important to us,” said UB pharmacy student Brian Badgley.
Erie County officials say recent studies show a link between prescription drugs seeping into area waterways and mutations in the fish.
The National Institute of Health Reports 16.2 million Americans 12 and older have taken prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers and sedatives for non-medical purposes at least once a year.
The pharmaceutical collection is anonymous and all patient information is kept confidential. The meds are boxed up and escorted to an incinerator, bottles and all.
To find a pharmaceutical collection or drop off near you call the Hazmat Hotline at 716-858-6800.