Over 400 pounds of unused pharmaceuticals and medical sharps collected
The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) held its tenth biannual Shed the Meds event at the district headquarters on Oct. 2. Traffic steadily made its way through the contactless drive-thru site—amounting to 190 cars that collectively dropped off 428 pounds of unused or expired pharmaceuticals, as well as six full containers of medical sharps. Since the event began six years ago, the district has now collected over 4,000 pounds of unused pharmaceuticals and medical sharps. The district’s Shed the Meds event is also one of the only places where residents can safely dispose of medical sharps on Long Island. Most local police precincts, healthcare locations and other pharmaceutical take back day events do not accept these materials.
“The value of Shed the Meds to our community is tremendous, as we provide residents with the unique opportunity to safely dispose of both their unused pharmaceuticals and medical sharps in one close-to-home location,” said GNWPCD Chairwoman Patty Katz. “The success of this fall’s event serves as yet another reminder that the Great Neck community is as environmentally conscious as any other, something which stands as a point of pride for us at the GNWPCD.”
The biannual event, hosted in partnership with Reach Out America, Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, Nassau County Police, and the Key Club at Great Neck North High School, aims at protecting local water sources and raising awareness of the dangers of flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet.
New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti was on hand throughout the entire event to show her support and assist district officials in collecting materials from residents.
For additional information and updates about the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, visit the website at www.gnwpcd.net to sign up for email newsletters or call the office at 516-482-0238.
About the GNWPCD
The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) is a special commissioner-run district within the Town of North Hempstead. The GNWPCD has provided sewage services for the Great Neck area since 1914, and currently serves more than 25,000 residents and businesses in the villages of Great Neck, Saddle Rock, Kensington, and parts of Thomaston and Great Neck Plaza east of Middle Neck Road, as well as all unincorporated areas north of the Long Island Railroad and a part of Manhasset. The GNWPCD’s mission is to protect human health, our bays and the environment.
—Submitted by the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District
