In efforts to keep our wastewater treatment facilities operating properly, we are asking that residents not flush down the toilet (or pour down the drain) medicines, vitamins and other supplements.

They may enter lakes, rivers and streams which are often used as sources for community drinking water supplies. Medicine can interfere with wastewater treatment plant operations. For example, antibiotics can destroy the beneficial bacteria used to treat organic matter. Also, treatment facilities were not designed to remove medications, so medicine could pass through the facility and potentially harm plants or fish downstream or even end up in our water supply.

Doctors are now suggesting that these flushed medications are causing polluted waters to change the hormones in marine life. Endocrine disruptors now being found in the water may be causing the increase in cancer cases, early puberty in females, and other medical conditions which cause concern.

To some scientists the release of antibiotics into waterways is particularly worrisome. They fear the release may result in disease-causing bacteria to become immune to treatment and that drug-resistant diseases will develop.

DISPOSAL OF MEDICINE, VITAMINS AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS PROPERLY CAN HELP:

• Prevent unintentional poisoning of children and pets
• Prevent misuse by teenagers and adults, even people you know
• Prevent health problems from accidentally taking the wrong medicine, too much of the same medicine, or a medicine that is too old to work well
• Prevent medicines and supplements from entering streams and rivers when poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet

For the past two years, Prattville Police Department, the Alabama National Guard, and Peers Are Staying Straight (P.A.S.S.) have coordinated an effort as part of the National Take Back Initiative to keep people from holding on to or improperly disposing of old prescriptions or over the counter medications. If you feel you cannot wait for this annual event, please follow these helpful tips in getting rid of these medications properly:

Prattville Police Department will begin taking in unwanted, unneeded medications from residents on July 1st. You may drop off medication, vitamins, other supplements, and contraband to an officer inside the Police Department. Anyone who chooses to turn in any illegal drug, substance or paraphernalia to the Police Department will receive amnesty, no questions asked. PPD just wants it off the street. These items will be processed appropriately along with confiscated drugs that are slated to be destroyed.

While Prattville Police Department will accept all the drugs and medications referenced above, they cannot accept needles as those fall under the category of bio-waste. ADPH/ADEM Handling and Disposal of Home Medical Waste...A Household Guide for Alabamians .

EPA brochure