Warwick Coalition Youth Coordinator Francesca Bryson shares with everyone the importance of proper drug and medication disposal. Proper drug disposal of unused medications can prevent the negative and toxic impacts on our environment. Safely disposing of prescription medication can reduce the risks of accidental poisonings.
The Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition usually joins forces with the Warwick Police Department in an event called Rx Drug Take Back Day, where residents can discard their medications properly. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic this event is not taking place this year.
The Coalition had to quickly come up with a plan of action which is the Deterra Drug Deactivation bags. These environmentally friendly pouches contain organic additives and microbes that break down the medications in the form of pills, patches or liquid. Over time the plastic pouch disintegrates leaving behind the release of water, carbon dioxide and a small amount of organic biomass.
The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is very easy to use. Simply open the bag, dump unwanted medication inside, fill the bag halfway with warm water, wait 30 seconds and give it a good little shake and then dispose of it in the trash. Remember to be sure to scratch out all personal information on prescription bottles making sure they are not legible.
Free Bags Available at Four Pharmacies
These bags were distributed to four local pharmacies: CVS Pharmacy in Warwick, Akin’s Pharmacy on Main St. in Warwick, Price Chopper Pharmacy on Rt. 94, and the Florida Pharmacy on North Main St. in the Village of Florida. The next time anyone picks up their prescription ask the pharmacist for a free Deterra bag courtesy of the Warwick Valley Coalition.
The Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition is a group of community partners working to reduce alcohol and marijuana abuse among youth and to prevent initiation into all drug use by encouraging wise and healthy choices by all community members. The Coalition meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m., currently online. For more information how to join the Coalition’s meetings, contact Francesca Bryson, WVPC Youth Coordinator at francesca.wvpc@gmail.com.
Pharmacist Robert Newhard of Akins Pharmacy in Warwick displays the Deterra Drug Deactivation bags provided by the Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition.
