Emerging health and environmental risks have prompted Wayne County to take strong measures addressing the proper disposal of harmful prescription drugs.

The county’s new guide - Disposal Tips for Home Medical Waste and Pharmaceuticals - provides step-by-step methods for disposing of unwanted or expired medication and explains the dangers to our environment and to our children and families.

The free guide is produced jointly by the county’s Department of Environment, health officials and Community Outreach.

Federal studies show that proper disposal of over-the counter and prescription drugs is vital to our environment. Pharmaceutical wastewater contaminants and personal care products have been detected in 80 percent of the 139 streams that federal health authorities sampled in 30 states, including Michigan.

But even more alarming, teen abuse of prescription drugs is on the rise. Guarding the medicine cabinet and properly disposing of unneeded prescription drugs can help protect children from exposure and possible injury.

The county’s educational effort is linked to a broader national campaign by the National Association of Counties to rid the environment of harmful substances. The county’s efforts are also timed to Earth Day 2007.

Wayne County’s campaign includes an educational-outreach component, which includes more than 5,000 handouts and instruction from county health and environmental experts.
Wayne County is also awaiting federal guidelines to begin accepting unwanted medications for proper disposal. Those new guidelines are pending before the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

With its outreach and tip guide, Wayne County is “getting ahead of the problem and exercising safe disposal methods,” County Executive Robert Ficano said.