Coral Gables Partners with Covanta Dade Renewable Energy To Offer Environmentally Safe Disposal of Medication
The City of Coral Gables is the first municipality in Miami-Dade County to partner with Covanta Dade Renewable Energy to keep prescription drugs off the street and dispose them in an environmentally safe manner.
A drop-off bin has been installed at the lobby of the Coral Gables Police Department located at 2801 Salzedo Street. Individuals can drop off their expired or unwanted prescription drugs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The pharmaceuticals collected will be incinerated for safe destruction.
When flushed down the drain or disposed of in landfills, medications can enter the waterways and contaminate surface waters, having an adverse effect on the drinking water and the environment. In addition, unused medications in the household contribute to growing rates of accidental exposure or intentional misuse among Americans, particularly teenagers.
Among the disposable items that can be collected are prescription medicines, prescription patches, ointments, over-the counter medications, vitamins, and medicine samples. Items not allowed are thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, needles, medications from businesses or clinics, aerosol cans, as well as non-prescription ointments, lotions or liquids.
To date the City has collected and safely destroyed over 430 pounds of prescription drugs.
For more information, please contact the Coral Gables Police Department Community Affairs Unit at 305-460-5401.
