Contact: Edith McNeal
Phone: 336-373-2199

Dispose of Medications Safely During SMARxT Program October 16

GREENSBORO, NC -- (October 11, 2010) -- Did you know that medications which are flushed down the toilet can and do find their way into our waterways? To properly and safely dispose of expired and unused medications, the City of Greensboro and Greensboro Beautiful Inc. have teamed up with other local entities to sponsor a county-wide SMARxT Disposal program at all Walgreens locations in Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville from 11 am to 1 pm Saturday, October 16.

Local law enforcement officials will be on-site at each store to collect medications, all of which will be incinerated. For the safety of law enforcement personnel, sharps and needles will not be accepted.

The first 10 people to drop off medications at each store will receive a free envelope to participate in Walgreens’ new Safe Medication Disposal program, which allows them to mail in prescriptions or over-the-counter medications they no longer use for safe, eco-friendly disposal. Once securely sealed, the envelope can be dropped into any US Postal Service mailbox where it will be sent to an approved medication incinerator.

The SMARxT program is a joint venture of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. Go online at www.SMARxTDisposal.net to learn more about proper disposal of medications.

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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).