======================================================================
KEIZER POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA RELEASE
======================================================================
INCIDENT NUMBER: KZP 00000000
DATE AND TIME: 11/2/2011 @ 12:00:00 AM
INCIDENT TYPE: KEIZER POLICE INSTALL DRUG TURN-IN RECEPTACLE
INCIDENT LOCATION: 930 CHEMAWA RD NE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
INCIDENT SUMMARY:
The Keizer Police Department has installed a drug turn-in receptacle in the lobby of the police department located at 930 Chemawa Rd NE. Made possible by funding from the Keizer Rotary Foundation and Community Action Drug Prevention Network, this container is available to the public to safely dispose of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
During the last three organized drug turn-in events held in Keizer, over 1000 pounds of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications were collected from over 500 households. Although organized drug turn-in events are typically held every six months, many individual households had pounds of unwanted medications saved up since the last event. The results of the drug turn-in events demonstrated there is a high demand for a permanent drop-off site in Keizer.
Denise Russell with the Community Action Drug Prevention Network said, “The Keizer site has experienced more public participation and collected more prescription drugs than the five sites in Marion County for the last three organized events.”
Medications improperly disposed of present a risk to health, security and the environment. Improperly disposed drugs can be scavenged from garbage and abused. When drugs are flushed, they are not removed by sewage treatment facilities and septic tank systems. Drugs can enter the soil, surface water and groundwater. Studies have shown that drugs found in waterways have a serious impact on fish and other aquatic life.
Medications from deceased family members, unknown tablets and capsules, over-the-counter medications, veterinary medications or other legal drugs no longer used may be deposited in the secure receptacle for proper and free disposal. No information is collected from participants.
The intent of the drug turn-in receptacle is for citizens to properly dispose of small quantities of medications during normal business hours without having to save up larger quantities for the next organized drug collection event.
Medications cannot be accepted from businesses such as retirement centers, pharmacies, clinics or institutions. All medications must be in leak-proof containers and it is recommended they be left their original containers if possible.
ACCEPTED:
Prescription medications;
Over-the-counter medications;
Veterinary medications;
Unknown tablets and capsules.
NOT ACCEPTED:
Syringes or any sharps;
Nutritional or dietary supplements;
Vitamins;
Thermometers;
Medical waste or feminine hygiene products;
Bathroom products (shampoo, petroleum jelly, hairspray, etc.);
Medications from businesses, clinics or institutions;
Leaking containers.
For more information, please contact Sgt. Lance Inman at 503-856-3475 (inmanl@keizer.org) or Denise Russell with the Community Action Drug Prevention Network at 503-585-6232 (russelld@mwvcaa.org). Information on the proper disposable of unaccepted items may be found at www.mcrecycles.net.
Image 01