Apr 17, 09 | Posted by: Michelle Linsmeier, M.D.

Medicine Collection Day – April 18th

Ever wonder what to do with old/expired/unneeded medicines in your home?  Tomorrow, April 18th, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) will be sponsoring a medicine collection day.  Not only does it promote safety in the home, it also helps our environment.  Despite its best efforts, the water treatment plants are not able to clear all medicines from waste-water.  These chemicals end up in rivers and lakes, including Lake Michigan, and after that, back in our drinking water.  Studies show that some chemicals may affect the reproductive cycles of fish, and may be promoting antibiotic resistance in the community.

According to their website, MMSD will accept any prescription medication, and appropriately dispose of it (mostly through incineration).  All they ask is that the medicine be given in original container (to better identify it) – feel free to scratch off your name or personal info. 

In light of recent events in our community – in particular, the recognition of teenage drug use/abuse including prescription medications – this is a great opportunity for parents to protect their children.  No worries about forgotten medications ending up in the wrong hands, or accidental ingestion by a small child.  Ultimately, if the medication has expired, or is no longer of use to a family member, it doesn’t need to be in the home.   A medication’s effectiveness or side-effect profile cannot be guaranteed once it has expired – let’s play it safe and get rid of them!

For more information, visit the MMSD website: www. mmsd.com.

Have a safe and healthy weekend!

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