Fall cleaning time is upon us and MWRA would like to remind its customers that unneeded or expired medications should not be flushed down the toilet.

Although no pharmaceutical compounds have been found in MWRA drinking water, they are in wastewater -- any natural or artificial chemical excreted by people or dumped into sinks, toilets and other drains will enter the wastewater stream. Disposing of drugs properly helps to protect the environment.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced a one-day program that will help you to clear out your medicine cabinet safely.

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, “National Take-Back Day,” the public may surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction. The anonymous drug take-back initiative will take place from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at sites throughout the country.

For details and to find collection site near you, visit the DEA National Take-Back Day web site.

If you miss National Take Back Day, the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection recommends that unneeded drugs be double-bagged in plastic and placed in the trash. If you are concerned that someone may find the drugs in your trash, try adding used coffee grounds or cat litter to the plastic bag. Visit the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection web site for more information.