PWPD: Big Turnout at Drug Take Back Day

When it comes to preventing the abuse of prescription drugs or to prevent them from seeping into the environment, Port Washington will rise to the challenge.

This was evident during This U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration event, held on April 30, garnered 131.22 pounds of prescription drugs collected in five large boxes at the

 “There was terrific response from the community, and we are for grateful,” said William J. Kilfoil, chief of PWPD. “Those drugs collected will never fall into the hands of our children or be able to pollute our drinking water, for this I would like to say thank for all your help.” 

 There was a total of 2,597.19 pounds collected on Long Island with a total of 26,219 pounds collected in New York State, according to the Port Washington Police.

The reports that the drug take-back program helps the environment by discouraging people from using the typical disposal method, flushing unused pills or dumping them in the solid waste stream.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in addition to antibiotics and steroids, more than 100 pharmaceuticals and personal care products have been identified in drinking water nationwide.