Drug Take Back Day Tomorrow

On Saturday, October 26th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greer Commission of Public Works and the Greer Police Department will once again partner to get potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs off the streets. Citizens are asked to bring their medicine, no questions asked to 301 McCall Street, Greer SC 29650 (CPW Headquarters). Please do not bring liquids, needles or sharp objects, only pills or patches.

WHO: CPW and Greer Police Drug Take Back Day
WHEN: Saturday, October 26th, 2019
TIME: 10 – 2 PM
WHERE: Greer CPW, 301 McCall Street

“We accept any kind of over the counter or prescription pills, including pet
medicine for our annual drug take back day. This event has proved to be
successful the past three years collecting 190 pounds in 2016 and 158 pounds in 2017 and 112 pounds in 2018. It’s important to properly dispose of these medicines,” said Sergeant Jeff Smith, Community Outreach Officer with the Greer Police Department.

In addition to keeping the drugs off the streets, Greer CPW is particularly interested in properly disposing of medicines instead of having customers flush or pour them down the drains because the diluted medicines can be passed onto the stream after the treatment process. “When people pour or flush medicine down the drain, Greer CPW is unable to fully treat the medicine at our wastewater treatment plant. The pills are diluted and
returned to the stream following the treatment process. This can pose significant risks to future drinking water, said Alison Rauch, Greer CPW Public Information Coordinator.

Community members interested in the drug take back day are asked to combine pills in one Ziploc bag and avoid bringing multiple bottles with personal information on it. Once the pills are collected in Greer, they will be taken to Columbia to be burned at high temperatures.

For those not able to attend, a drop off box is available 24/7 at the Greer Police Department – 102 South Main Street or at Greer Memorial Hospital.