Environment DEC
From the October 2009 issue
DEC to Hold Collection Days to Prevent Unused/Unwanted Pharmaceuticals from Entering Water Systems
Don't flush your drugs! Bring them to one of DEC's statewide collections in October.
As part of an ongoing effort to raise public awareness and reduce the disposal of unwanted drugs in wastewater, DEC is sponsoring statewide unused/unwanted household pharmaceutical collection days during the week of October 19-24, 2009.
Pharmaceuticals can reach our waterways from a variety of sources, including the flushing of unused drugs by households and institutions, discharge from drug manufacturing facilities, and drugs that pass through our bodies and enter sewer systems. Typical wastewater treatment processes are not designed to remove pharmaceuticals. New Yorkers throughout the state can do their part by either bringing unwanted pharmaceuticals to collection events, or safely disposing of them per instructions on DEC's website (see "Learn More" below).
Collection Schedule
Note: Sharps (injection needles) and mercury thermometers will not be collected at these events. Date, location or time changes will be noted on the website (see "Learn More" below).
| DEC Region/Location | Date | Time | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region 3 21 South Putt Corners Rd New Paltz |
10/20/09 |
8 AM to 1 PM |
Terry Laibach |
| Region 4 1130 N. Wescott Rd Schenectady |
10/22/09 | 8 AM to 1 PM |
Allison Elliott 518-357-2348 |
| Region 5 - two locations: 1115 NYS, Rt. 86 Ray Brook, or: 232 Golf Course Rd Warrensburg |
10/21/09 | 8 AM to 1 PM |
Richard Wagner 518-897-1241 |
| Region 6 317 Washington St Watertown |
10/21/09 | 9 AM to 2 PM |
Ed Blackmer 315-785-2522 |
| Region 7 615 Erie Blvd Syracuse |
10/24/09 | 9 AM to 1 PM |
Diane Carlton 315-426-7403 |
| Region 8 6274 E. Avon-Lima Rd Avon |
10/22/09 | 9 AM to 1 PM |
Lisa Porter 585-226-5402 |
Learn More
To learn more about the pharmaceutical collection days, possible future events, and the safe disposal of drugs, see www.dontflushyourdrugs.net on DEC's website.
