Fort Lauderdale to Offer First Medication Take Back Event Jan. 23, 2011

Event to coincide with annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Collection Event

Monique Damiano, Public Information Specialist
Public Works Department
For Media Only: (954) 828-7808
mdamiano@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - The City of Fort Lauderdale is offering its first Medication Take Back Event to provide an opportunity for citizens to safely dispose of prescription and non-prescription medications they no longer need or want. The Medication Take Back Event will take place in conjunction with the City’s annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event on Sunday, January 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 101 N. Andrews Avenue, just west of City Hall in Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to collecting HHW, the City will also be accepting unused, unwanted, or expired medications. There is no cost to drop off medications and residents may remain anonymous; however, residents dropping off HHW will be required to provide proof of residency.

City of Fort Lauderdale staff, along with a Fort Lauderdale police officer, will be on site to collect the medications. Once collected, the medications will be disposed of and destroyed in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner according to state laws and regulations.

Citizens that properly dispose of medications at the event can help prevent prescription drug abuse, as well as accidental overdoses and poisoning of children and pets. They can also help reduce environmental pollution, decrease the amount of waste sent to local landfills, and protect our drinking water supply, local waterways, and native wildlife.

For more information about the Medication Take Back and Household Hazardous Waste Collection events, what to bring, or helpful guidelines, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov or contact the City of Fort Lauderdale 24-Hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000 or online at www.fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice.