The Sunnyvale Sun

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Drop-off keeps medicines out of rivers

By MICHELLE MAGHRIBI

Ever give much thought to what happens to those outdated pills you flush down the toilet? Research shows trace amounts may wind up in area streams, contaminating fish and, potentially, people.

Such environmental concerns regarding the safe disposal of pharmaceuticals prompted the city of Sunnyvale and the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group to co-sponsor the first safe-medicine drop-off in the city at the Senior Center on May 19.

Senior industrial waste inspector for the city, Robert Gallo, said the event "exceeded expectations." Walgreen's Pharmacies provided volunteer pharmacists who documented every active ingredient, weight and amount in every bottle that was dropped off. During a six hour period, "More than 50 people ... dropped off approximately 875 bottles of unused medication, with 1972 being the oldest bottle," Gallo said.

Approximately 30 Bay Area events were part of a campaign called "Safe Medicine Disposal Days." Those who wished to safely dispose of their pharmaceuticals could do so up until May 21.

Altogether, it's estimated that, bay-wide, between two and three tons of waste (including the weight of the containers) was collected for disposal. Hazardous materials collected will be disposed of through incineration in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards for carbon dioxide.

Experts say wastewater treatment plants do not have the ability and are not designed to remove pharmaceuticals. Gallo said there have been recent studies indicating pharmaceutical products can influence the gender of fish and other aquatic life forms by disrupting the endocrine system. Research is ongoing on the implications for human beings.

Those who wish to dispose of their unused medications should contact the county of Santa Clara Household Hazardous Waste Program at 408.299.7300 for an appointment or visit to www.hhw.org.