CHEMUNG COUNTY – The Chemung County Sheriff’s Department will once again take part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s ( DEA ) prescription drug take back initiative on Saturday, October 28th from 10am to 2pm.
Area residents are encouraged to turn in their expired and unused prescription medications for proper disposal. Those bringing prescription drugs are asked to keep the medications in their original container with the label intact, however may black out their name if they wish to do so.
All medications including ointments and sprays will be accepted, as well as “sharps” or used needles.
Residents can drop their unwanted medications at the following locations:
- West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department located at 1299 W. Water Street in Elmira
- Southport volunteer Fire Department located at 1001 Carl Street in Elmira
Local officials say events such as these are a better and safer alternative to other disposal methods such as throwing them in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet. Medications disposed of in such a manner can make their way to water treatment plants causing potentially harmful effects to the environment.
It is also unsafe to throw medication where children or pets may find it.