Washington, D.C. - This Saturday, October 22, the public is encouraged to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications at over 50 locations throughout metropolitan Washington, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Proper medication disposal keeps communities safe by preventing drug abuse, accidental ingestion, and the contamination of water supplies. To find the nearest medication disposal site, visit bit.ly/Medtakebackday.

“Though it may seem convenient to flush unwanted medications down the toilet, doing so can be a source of pollution in our rivers,” said Fairfax Water’s Susie Miller, Chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Community Engagement Campaign (CEC) for the region’s drinking water and wastewater utilities. “With over 50 take-back locations in the region, residents can easily get rid of medications while preventing water pollution and unintentional drug use.”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is promoted in the region by COG and area partners, including law enforcement agencies, water and wastewater utilities, and health officials.  Last year, according to the DEA, 45,746 pounds of prescription drugs were collected in the District of Columbia, and the states of Maryland and Virginia.

“The removal and proper disposal of expired or unused medications promotes safety and keeps dangerous compounds from our water supply and environment,” said Takoma Park Police Chief Alan Goldberg, who serves as COG’s Police Chiefs Committee Chairman. “If you’re not able to join us this weekend for the drop-off, many departments in the area provide year-round drop off locations.”

A list of permanent, secure disposal locations in the region is posted at bit.ly/managemedication.  To learn more about proper medication disposal, visit www.protectyourpipes.org.