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More Funding For Prescription Drug Drop Off

Jennifer McKay of Tip of the Mitt with Charlevoix County POD Sheriff Don Schneider

A Northern Michigan group will get more funding to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council has collected more than 6,000 pounds of pharmaceuticals over the last four years.

A national study finds traces of over the counter drugs in 85% of waterways tested. Federal environmental regulators now consider it an emerging concern.

The message used to be, flush them to get rid of them. "That's exactly the wrong message," says Gail Gruenwald, director of the Watershed Council. She points out that wastewater treatment systems aren't set up to strip out these chemicals.

"Things like antibiotics, antidepressants, DEET, interestingly, and some other things are ending up in our waterways," Gruenwald says.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has just awarded Tip of the Mitt nearly 100,000 dollars to expand the program. Gruenwald says they'll try to get more participation from the elderly and young couples with children.

"Those are the two groups least likely to use these pod boxes or collection events and yet at the same time probably the most important to address," she says.  

Tip of the Mitt offers drop boxes and free collection events in conjunction with area law enforcement in seven counties. The pills are taken downstate to an incinerator.