Collecting Unwanted Medications in a Mall? You Bet!
The state of Vermont held its first unwanted medication collection on May 20th, in conjunction with an American Red Cross Blood Drive, and with the sponsorship of the Diamond Run Mall, the Rutland County Solid Waste Management District, the Rutland area Solid Waste Alliance Communities, and the County Sheriff’s Department. This unique event collected 33 gallons of unwanted medication from 28 people: or almost 1.25 gallons per person.

People came from ten communities to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and veterinary medications. The medications will be destroyed as hazardous waste or as controlled substances with the oversight of the County Sheriff’s Department.

Flushing or tossing unwanted medications is dangerous!
If flushed down the toilet or drain, unwanted medications can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife. Unwanted medicine disposed in the trash can be stolen and used, potentially resulting in death or illness. Having unwanted medications around the home presents a danger to children, guests and pets who could accidentally ingest the drugs.

The collection event was funded in part with a grant from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agricultural Rural Utilities Service to the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.
Volunteers assisting at the event included a Rutland area pharmacist, a representative of the state of Connecticut Commission of Pharmacy, the Franklin County (Massachusetts) Solid Waste Management District, and NERC’s summer intern, Amanda Merrow.