Name

A Better Place for Pharmacy Waste

Location

Various Kansas HHW programs and one Sheriff program through Saline County Sheriff office

Brief Description

This environmental outreach program, hosted by the K-State Pollution Prevention Institute, has two primary goals: first, to promote safer homes through elimination of stockpiled medication; and second, to educate citizens not to drain dispose their medications but to use an environmentally preferred method of disposal. This program uses summer interns to disseminate informational material outlining two environmentally preferred methods of disposal to retail pharmacies, medical clinics, and public venues. The first suggested method instructs citizens to use a local collection facility such as their household hazardous waste facility or local sheriff’s office. If one is not available, citizens are encouraged to use the KDHE “kitty litter or coffee grounds method.”

Program Results and Evaluations

Our program disseminates the message primarily through retail pharmacies. Our retail pharmacies have had an overwhelmingly positive respond, supporting and promoting the program to their clients.  Follow-up implementation (posters still hanging and pharmacists know what to tell clients) rates have exceeded 95%.  HHWs document significant increases in number of clients that use program for medication disposal.

Collection Site(s)

At least 17 counties across Kansas participate, primarily through HHW collection programs.

Collecting Controlled Substances?

Sheriff’s office only

Organizers & Partners

K-State Pollution Prevention Institute (organizer), local participating HHWs, sheriff offices and local environmental agencies.

Funding

Kansas Health Foundation

Contacts

Nancy Larson, nlarson@ksu.edu or 800-578-8898

Link

Program Bebsite

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A Better Place for Pharmacy Waste