The Suffolk County Water Authority will host a Pharmaceutical Take Back Day on Saturday, November 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the SCWA Customer Contact Center, 260 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge. This event offers a simple and environmentally responsible way for residents to dispose of unused or expired medications. No sign-up is required—just drive up, drop off your medications and leave. Note that medical sharps cannot be accepted.
“The best way we can keep our drinking water safe is to keep harmful contaminants out of the aquifer,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “Properly disposing of unused or expired medications keeps our water source from becoming polluted, which keeps us from having to install expensive treatment systems. We’re very grateful to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office for partnering with us on this great event.”
When medications are flushed down the toilet, they run the risk of contaminating Long Island’s aquifer, which can be a detriment to public health. After medications are collected, they will be taken by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office to be safely incinerated, ensuring that these contaminants do not end up in the aquifer.
About SCWA:
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.