The presence of very small amounts of prescription drugs in rivers, lakes and streams is an emerging issue in the environmental field.  All medicines and personal care products that are either applied or swallowed have the potential to be excreted or washed into the sewage treatment system.  From there, they may enter water bodies.  More research is needed to determine the extent of the problem.

You can help reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals that have the potential to cause environmental and other concerns by properly disposing of unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Local police agencies, volunteer organizations and the Allen County Solid Waste Management District have organized an anytime drop off program.  You can take prescription medications (pills only) in their original packages to the Fort Wayne Police Department, New Haven Police Department, Allen County Sheriff;s Office at 12535 Lima Road or to the State Police Post at any time.  Look for the drop box at these locations.

A prescription medication collection day is planned for April 25, 2008.  On that day, several Walgreen's Drug Stores will accept prescription medicines in their orginal bottles for disposal.  Walgreen's locations participating in the April 25 drop-off day are:

• Clinton Street at St. Joe Center Road
• West Jefferson Boulevard at Getz Road
• Bluffton Road at Lower Huntington Road
• State Street at Wells Street
• Lincoln Highway West at Brookwood (New Haven)
• Chapel Ridge at 10170 Maysville Road
• 1701 East Paulding Road at South Anthony Boulevard

See the attached  Unwanted Medication Collection flier for more information or visit www.volunteerfortwayne.org