FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Prescription drug take back sites are set across Arkansas for the fifth annual event at which people can drop off their unneeded medications.
In addition to being a hazard to children or others who could mistakenly ingest the drugs, officials say the Saturday event is also of benefit to the environment.
John Pennington, Washington County extension agent for water quality for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, puts excess prescription drugs in the category of "household hazardous waste."
Prescription drugs, like cleaning solvents and used motor oil, contribute to pollution of the state's water when flushed or poured down a drain.
Pennington says it's important to community health to properly dispose of drugs and other environmental hazards properly.
