New program offers alternative method to dispose used medications properly Published March 21, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Beginning April 6, Warren will be one of the first Air Force bases to implement an unused/expired medication disposal service. In a joint effort between the 90th Medical Group and the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Management Flight, the clinic pharmacy will be a drop-off location for the Medication Return Program. "[The program] is intended to advocate proper disposal of medication," said Maj. Kalpesh Patel, 90th CES water program manager. "The program will have an impact on the environment in a positive way." The MRP is in response of recent national media coverage of pharmaceutical chemicals found in waterways. The medication finds its way into water systems many ways, usually through human waste and flushing pills down the toilet. "There's been a lot of publicity in the last month or so about medication and drugs being found in drinking water," said Frank Neumann, 90th MDG facility manager. "This is the first step in trying to clean that up." According to the U.S. Geological Survey, in 2002, 80 percent of streams sampled nationwide detected chemicals found in prescription drugs. Medications turned into the pharmacy will be given to a contracted company and incinerated. Major Patel said this is the best way to dispose medication. However, the program has limitations on what medications it can accept due to federal and state laws. It can accept most prescription and over-the-counter drugs, liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers, vitamins, medicated ointments and lotions, and inhalers. Medications that cannot be returned include controlled substances such as narcotics, needles, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products and hydrogen peroxide. For more information call the clinic pharmacy at 773-3636.