Make Earth Day Every Day with Proper Disposal of Unused Medications
On Earth Day, April 22, Tennessee American Water (TNAW) is encouraging residents to participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central time zone.
Customers are asked to drop off unwanted medications at approved regional collection sites for incineration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended manner of disposing of most pharmaceuticals. Flushing medications down the toilet and throwing them in the trash are discouraged.
Lori Stenzel, TNAW manager of water quality and environmental compliance, explains, “Drug Take Back encourages residents to remove unneeded medications from their homes in a safe and eco-friendly manner. Participation in this event is one way we can all help protect our environment and waterways and make Earth Day every day.”
TNAW partners with the Hamilton County Coalition and other agencies to promote the proper disposal of medications to help protect waterways as well as prevent misuse of medications no longer needed. This upcoming Saturday, residents may easily drop off unused medications at one of the 14 area drop-offs. The service is free and anonymous. Some sites will also offer free shredding of personal documents.
“The Hamilton County Coalition is pleased to offer this program with law enforcement agencies and a number of partners,” says Camilla Bibbs, executive director of the Hamilton County Coalition. “We work to raise awareness of proper disposal of medications in homes to reduce potential abuse.”
Regional Drug Take Back Day collection sites can be located on the Hamilton County Coalition’s website. Participating counties include Hamilton, Sequatchie, Rhea, and Grundy. Counties in the central time zone will hold their drug take back events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time.
Sites offering free shredding include Walgreens on Gunbarrel Road, Mount Canaan Church on Highway 58, and the City of Chattanooga’s Avondale Community Center at 1305 Dodson Avenue.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day locations
April 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. CDT
Dispose of Unused, Unwanted and Expired Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medications. We will also collect vape pens or other e-cigarette devices.
Hamilton County Locations
Mt. Canaan – 4801 SR-58 +
Food City, Red Bank – 3901 Dayton Blvd.
Walgreens – 3605 Brainerd Rd.
Walgreens – 2289 Gunbarrel Rd. +
Walgreens, East Ridge – 5301 Ringgold Rd.
Walgreens, Ooltewah – 9307 Lee Hwy.
Walgreens, Hixson – 5478 SR-153
Avondale Community Center -1305 Dodson Ave +
Elks Lodge #91 – 1067 Graysville Rd. +
Food City, Harrison – 8634 Hwy. 58
Regional Locations
Walmart, Dayton – 3034 Rhea County Hwy.
Walmart, Dunlap – 16773 Rankin Ave.
Spring City Police Department – 229 Front St.
Grundy Safe Coalition – Tracey City Police Department. 50 Main Street
+ Document shredding services provided
This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
ABOUT TENNESSEE AMERICAN WATER
Tennessee American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 380,000 people in Tennessee and north Georgia. For more information, visit www.tennesseeamwater.com.
ABOUT AMERICAN WATER
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE:AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
For more information contact Daphne Kirksey, External Affairs Manager, at her email daphne.kirksey@amwater.com, or call either 423-771-4750 or 423-413-8419.
