Don’t throw it down the drain!
That’s the message Walmart is trying to get across to customers with medications they no longer need.
On Thursday, the nation’s largest retailer joined a national partnership to educate customers about the proper way to dispose of unused prescription drugs. Walmart, an AWB member since 2005, is the first of 139 supporters to launch a national educational program in more than 3,500 of their pharmacies promoting the SMARxT Disposal partnership.
“We are extremely pleased that Walmart has joined us in our campaign to educate people on how they should dispose of their unused medication in their homes,” said Rowan Gould, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Walmart has millions of customers across the country, and by providing information to each of them, we are sure to have a big impact on preventing chemicals and drugs from reaching our waterways and affecting our plants, animals and ecosystems.”
Flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain allow drugs to enter waterways, harming plants and animals.
One way to prevent this from happening is by increasing awareness about proper medication disposal. SMARxT Disposal recommends people pour their unused medication into a sealable plastic bag, add kitty litter, sawdust, or coffee grounds, and then seal the plastic bag before disposing of it in the trash.
“We understand that keeping these medications out of Washington’s streams and lakes is critical to the overall health of our communities,” said Jennifer Spall, spokeswoman for Walmart.
Signs in now posted more than 3,500 Walmart pharmacies and online with directions for customers on the proper disposal of their unused medications. The company will also print SMARxT Disposal’s information on all pharmacy bags, a friendly way of educating customers on drug disposal.
“Walmart is pleased to be an active corporate supporter of SMARxT Disposal,” said Dr. John Agwunobi, president of Walmart Health and Wellness. ”Our customers are looking for environmentally friendly ways to dispose of their unused and unwanted medications, and SMARxT Disposal can provide the answers our customers are seeking. We are proud to be part of this solution and we know that our communities will benefit from this partnership.”
