Channel 5 News
Posted: Apr 22, 2011 2:16 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 22, 2011 6:30 PM CDT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The city of Nashville is encouraging all residents of Davidson County to get rid of old medicine in a safe way. City agencies have teamed up to establish a county-wide disposal system.
They're putting drop boxes in the Metro Police precincts to give residents a safe way to get rid of medications.
"Obviously when medications and narcotics, drugs are disposed of in an improper fashion, if they're flushed down a toilet or put down a drain, they end up in our water system. They can go straight into the Cumberland River," said Mayor Karl Dean.
Officials said improperly disposed medications can also lead to someone else using them which could cause an overdose or substance abuse.
The Central Precinct in Downtown Nashville is open for drop off seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The North, South, East, West and Hermitage Precincts drop-off boxes will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Items accepted for the Pharmaceutical Collection Program include:
Prescriptions
Over the counter medications
Pet medications
Medicated ointment, lotions or drops
Liquid medications (in leak-proof containers)
Inhalers
Pills in any packaging (glass bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags, etc.)
Items not accepted in the program include:
Illegal drugs & narcotics (although police will accept these items if placed in the containers)
Sharps/needles
Blood sugar equipment
Thermometers
IV bags
Bloody or infectious waste
Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc)
