Dump your unwanted and expired drugs this week

Wondering what to do with your expired prescription medications and the over-the-counter pills or ointments that didn’t really work for you?

The City of Maricopa and the M.A.S.H. Anti-Substance Abuse Coalition have partnered to provide a solution for your drug disposal dilemma–Maricopa’s first annual Drug Dump Week.

Beginning Monday, Sept 22, through Sunday, Sept. 28, Maricopa residents can drop off expired or unwanted pharmaceuticals at any of the city’s four pharmacies: Bashas’, CVS, Fry’s or Walgreen’s. A sealed container will be available at each pharmacy counter, and no questions will be asked.

When you drop off your medications, remove any labels and black out any names and personal information in order to prevent identity theft.

Acceptable items, either expired or unwanted, include:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Pet medications
• Vitamins, supplements & suppositories
• Homeopathic remedies
• Medical ointments, shampoos, lotions
• Prescription and over-the-counter inhalers
• Glass thermometers with mercury

Unacceptable items include:

• DEA Controlled Substances: Narcotic and Illegal Drugs
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Bio-Hazardous/ Radioactive Materials
• Alcohol thermometers/ Cylinders
• Sharps/ Needles/ IV Bags
• Other household wastes

How to dispose of your medicines in the future:

1. Take drug(s) out of original container.
2. Mix drug(s) with an undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or kitty litter.
3. Put mixture in a non-descriptive container, such as an empty can with a lid or a sealable bag. (This will help insure these drugs are not diverted or accidentally ingested by children or pets.)
4. Place container in your outdoor trash can, under waste so that it is not visible.

Remember do NOT flush prescription medications down the toilet, sink or drain! Pharmaceutical residues can enter the water supply or ground water. Although not normally hazardous to humans, various forms of animal life are affected.

Drug Dump Week is part of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

If you have any further questions, or need additional information, please contact Firouzeh Dittmar at [email protected] or (602) 463-2650.

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