RXcycle Spartanburg event planned for October 27
October 22, 2018
Local partners in DEA National Drug Take-Back Day provide an opportunity to bring in unused medications
RXcycle Spartanburg, the initiative spearheaded by Spartanburg Water to give our community a safe way to dispose of unused and/or expired prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, is gearing up for the nationwide October 27 event. Two locations in Spartanburg will accept pills and capsules. Each location will be staffed by Spartanburg Police officers to ensure the medications are stored and transported according to U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency guidelines.
Many in the community are still confused by previous instructions to flush medications down the sink or toilet or throw them away in the trash. This was thought to be better than having them fall into the wrong hands.
“We now know that flushing is never an option for medication. This causes pollution in our rivers, lakes and streams, and can enter our water system,” said Sue Schneider, Spartanburg Water CEO. “When we flush medicine down the drain, it presents multiple challenges to our efforts to keep our drinking water clean, safe and healthy.”
RXcycle Spartanburg is led by Spartanburg Water and the Spartanburg Police Department.
“We are excited to partner with other entities in our community to provide safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription and over the counter medications. Please take this important opportunity to bring any unused or expired medication to one of the two locations staffed by our officers,” said Jennifer Kindall, Deputy Chief of Police.
Donors may drop off their unused or expired medications at the following locations from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, October 27:
- Bi-Lo, 2199 Southport Road, Spartanburg
- CVS Pharmacy, 87 Garner Road, Spartanburg
No sharps, liquids, patches or inhalers can be accepted.
ABOUT SPARTANBURG WATER
Spartanburg Water, an award-winning utility, is comprised of Spartanburg Water System and Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District. It serves a population of about 200,000 within Spartanburg County, as well as others in parts of Greenville, Union and Cherokee counties. With the help of its dedicated team of more than 250 employees, each day it produces an average of 25 million gallons of drinking water and cleans 12 million gallons of reclaimed water for its customers and community.
