Protecting the environment from pharmaceuticals

Up to 29% of pharmaceuticals — both prescription and over-the-counter medications — and personal care products enter the environment each year untreated through human waste and improper disposal. Many water treatment plants are incapable of removing all the harmful chemicals from water systems. Although this is a fairly new area of study, these products are known to have adverse effects on ecosystems, including human and aquatic life. Drug take-back events are an effective way to prevent these products from entering the environment.

Alabama A&M University Cooperative Extension, in partnership with law enforcement and other organizations, hosts drug take-back events each year. In 2022, they held nine drug take-back events offering consumers a place to drop off unwanted products for humans and animals. About 850 people dropped off 1,575 pounds of medication. In addition, they disposed of 1,160 pounds of personal care products, and 374 people took the Lock Your Meds pledge to keep drugs out of the hands of small children and teens.

Project supported by 1890 Extension Capacity funds.