The Groundwater Foundation encouraged community members to send old or unused medications back to Nebraska MEDS pharmacies in a press release on Jan. 20, 2020.

Sarah Hunter, the project coordinator for the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, said over 300 Nebraska MEDS pharmacies across the state are taking back over-the-counter medications for safe and legal disposal.

“An important place to start organizing your home is with your medicine cabinet,” Hunter said. “Removing leftover medication from your home can help prevent accidental poisonings or medication misuse.”

The Groundwater Foundation said over-the-counter medications can contaminate water supplies when flushed, washed down the drain or thrown in the trash. The Foundation also said most water treatment facilities do not have the capacity to remove these emerging contaminants.

Nebraska Medication Education on Disposal Strategies is a coalition of state and community partners dedicated to educating Nebraskans about drug disposal. The Groundwater Foundation acts as one of the partners, providing safe ways to dispose of medications to safeguard the environment and public health.

Community members can find a participating Nebraska MEDS pharmacy by visiting the official website at leftovermeds.com.