P²D² Team geared to speak at the 2009 International Symposium on Pharmaceuticals in the Home and Environment Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center in Northport, Maine.  October 19-20

Maine Benzodiazepine Study Group

The Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program is a collaborative effort between local pharmacies, officials, and Pontiac Township High School students in Mr. Ritter's Ecology class and Mr. Bohm's Illinois Studies class. The purpose is to educate the public about the harm done to the environment due to the current prescription and non-prescription drug disposal practices and to provide them with an alternative way that ensures the quality of our water for future generations.

Role of The Pharmacy

1. Individuals take their unused and unwanted prescription and non-prescription drugs to participating pharmacies.
2. Pharmacists take the pharmaceuticals and place them into secure bins. Please note that only licensed pharmacists and assistants handle the returned pharmaceuticals.
3. When the bins fill up, pharmacists send them off to be incinerated.
4. The company that incinerates the pharmaceuticals creates energy that is used to power homes and businesses.              

Pharmacy Standard Operating Procedures

1. Individuals can take their unused and unwanted Class II controlled substances to local participating Police Departments.
2. The participating Police Department have a secure drop box that individuals can place their substances in - no questions asked.
3. The substances will be disposed of following proper police procedures. Police Standard Operating Procedures

Why is the Program Important?

Many pharmaceuticals are getting past our waste water treatment plants and getting into our drinking water. Scientists with the United States Geological Society conducted a study of over 130 rivers, streams, and other waterways in the U.S. and found the following pharmaceuticals in over 80 percent of those tested:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-depressants
• Birth control pills
• Seizure medication
• Cancer treatments
• Pain killers
• Tranquilizers
• Cholesterol-lowering compounds