Conroy urges proper prescription drug disposal

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, is asking residents with old prescription drugs to properly dispose of them during this weekend’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

State Rep. Theresa Conroy

According to the state Department of Consumer Protection, flushed medications can get into our lakes, rivers and streams. Research has shown that continuous exposure to low levels of medications has altered the behavior and physiology of fish and aquatic organisms.

Pharmaceuticals enter our wastewater from a variety of sources, including the flushing of unused medications. A nationwide study done in 1999 and 2000 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found low levels of drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids in 80% of the rivers and streams tested.

It is also important to avoid tossing unused medicines in the trash. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is on the rise at alarming rates, along with accidental poisonings and overdoses.

“Prescription drug abuse is fueling a rise in heroin addiction as well. A growing number of young people who start abusing expensive prescription drugs are switching to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to buy,” Conroy said.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored by the DEA, aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription medications.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday you can bring your old prescriptions for safe disposal to the Seymour Police Department on Franklin Street.


This is a press release from Conroy's office.