Concern in recent years has built up around the amount of prescription and over-the-counter drugs found in drinking water with many states and communities now offering occasional programs for consumers to drop off unwanted medications. The second annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is on April 30 this year.
A new program by Rite Aid seeks to make it easier for consumers to dispose of unwanted medications year-round. The drugstore chain has envelopes available in stores where consumers can place drugs to be sent to an approved incinerator where law enforcement officials oversee disposal. The cost of envelopes runs $3.99.
"For years, Rite Aid has participated in community medication take-back events organized by local health officials and law enforcement agencies," Dan Miller, senior vice president of pharmacy at Rite Aid, said in a press release. "Our customers often ask how to dispose of medication. By making these envelopes available in our stores, we're offering an easy and safe disposal solution for customers looking to safely dispose of expired, unused or unwanted medications."