Politics & Government
New Novato PD Program Helps Keep Medical Waste out of Landfills & Water Systems
Novato Police Department is now participating in the county's Pharmaceutical Return Program.
Beginning Aug. 8, is participating in the county's medical waste return program for unused pharmaceuticals. Individuals will be able to drop off unused prescription and over-the counter medications for deposit in the return bin located in the police department's lobby during regular business hours.
The purpose of the program is to help keep pharmaceuticals out of landfills and water systems and to protect the health of the public from exposure to medical waste.
The Enviornmental Protection Agency reports that studies show that pharmaceuticals are present in our nation's waterbodies and may cause ecological harm. To date, scientists have not found evidence showing adverse human health effects, according to the agency.
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During regular business hours, Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., unused pharmaceuticals can be brought to the Novato Police Department lobby at 909 Machin Avenue for deposit in the return bin.
Acceptable items: Prescription medications, all over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, medicated ointments, lotions and creams, liquid medications in leak-proof containers, inhalers, pet medications.
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Not acceptable: Sharps, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, empty pill containers, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans.
Remove pills from containers and place in a Ziploc bag or small paper bag for deposit into the return bin. This will help keep the volume to a minimum. Bags will not be provided by Novato Police Department.
