The Greer Commission of Public Works and the Greer Police Department are teaming up to host their 10th annual Drug Take Back Day this weekend.
Drug Take Back Day allows residents to properly dispose of unwanted medications so that they don’t end up in local water sources. This year’s event will be held at Greer CPW (301 McCall St.) on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“When medicine is flushed or poured, it reaches wastewater treatment systems where the medicines are diluted and become part of the treatment process,” said Alison Rauch, public information coordinator at Greer CPW. “... For Greer CPW, our wastewater is treated and returned to the South Tyger River. The water that we return to the river eventually becomes someone else’s drinking water, so it is important that the community understand the water cycle and how their actions impact others.”
This is the 10th year Greer CPW has partnered with the Greer Police Department to host a Drug Take Back event. According to Greer CPW officials, more than 1,500 pounds of pills have been collected since 2016.
The drive-through event is open to the public, whether or not they are Greer CPW customers. Residents can dispose of prescription or over-the-counter pills and patches, as well as pet medication. Sharps and liquid medications will not be disposed of at the event.
Liquid medications can be disposed of safely at home with cat litter or coffee grounds. Residents should place the mixture in a sealable, hard plastic container before disposing of it in the regular trash.
Those interested in participating in Drug Take Back Day should scratch off any personal information from prescription labels or combine all pills into one Ziploc bag. To learn more, visit Greer CPW’s website.
