“Medicine Collection Day provides a convenient way for our residents to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs,” said Carpenter.

 

“As the caregiver for my parents before they passed away, I know that unused prescription medication can pile up in the cupboards. Flushing unused medication risks our drinking water. Keeping unused medication around risks accidental poisoning, and also risks children or others abusing prescription drugs,” said Carpenter.

 

“In the past we have been advised to flush leftover medication down the drain. We are now learning about the adverse effect this may have on our public health and wildlife. We need to make sure we have a safe, convenient, and inexpensive way for folks to dispose of leftover prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications,” said Carpenter.

 

Reports indicate that trace amounts of prescription drugs have been found in lakes and ground water. Health officials worry that the presence of antibiotics in water may lead to drug-resistant strains of disease, and certain hormone replacement drugs may alter the reproductive cycles of fish.

“I will be lending a hand at the Medicine Collection Day – helping hand out free 5 pound bags of Milorganite fertilizer while they last,” said Carpenter.

 

MMSD has being making Milorganite fertilizer in Milwaukee for 86 years. More information on the event is available online at http://www.mmsd.com/NewsDetails.aspx