Rhode Island Dept. of Health, Walgreens to hold first-ever medicine take-back event

PROVIDENCE, R.I. Rhode Islanders are invited to bring their unused or expired medicines for proper disposal in an event sponsored by the state's department of health and Walgreens.

The state’s first-ever medicine take-back event will take place on Dec. 5 at the Johnston Senior Center located at 1291 Hartford Ave. in Johnston, R.I., from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Many people discard unused or expired medicines into their drains or flush them down the toilet. Medications discarded in this way may reach our groundwater system, causing potential contamination to our drinking water supply.

“Discarding medications in a responsible manner to prevent pollution and possible contamination to our drinking water is advisable. This event will help people understand how to practice proper medicine disposal,” said David Gifford, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Studies have shown the growing negative impact of antibiotics, antiepileptics, endocrine disruptors and anti-inflammatory drugs in groundwater and its impact on human health and the environment. This event will help to educate people about ways to dispense expired medications so they are properly disposed of while acting as good environmental stewards.

For additional information about the medicine take-back event, visit www.health.ri.gov.