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Covanta Energy Continues Rx4Safety Program To Protect Water Supplies From Drugs
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In honor of World Water Day Thursday, Covanta Energy announced the indefinite continuation of the Prescription for Safety Program (Rx4Safety) providing for the safe disposal of medications collected at community drug take-back programs free of charge.
Based on evidence of pollution in waterways and drinking water, as well as an increase in pharmaceutical drug abuse, Covanta developed Rx4Safety as a solution to the growing dilemma of improper disposal of unwanted household medications.
Working with municipalities and law enforcement agencies nationwide, Rx4Safety has safely disposed of more than 210,000 pounds of unwanted medications since the program's inception in 2010.
When flushed down the drain, or disposed of in landfills, medications find their way into waterways and contaminate surface waters, having an adverse effect on drinking water and the environment.
In a recent study conducted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, test results of leachate at three state landfills showed concentrations of a wide range of pharmaceuticals. These drugs cannot be removed from water supplies at typical waste water treatment plants, as a result enabling potentially negative effects to aquatic organisms, fish and other wildlife.
"World Water Day provides an excellent occasion for recognizing the importance of sustainably managing our freshwater resources," said Dr. Paul Gilman, Covanta Energy's chief sustainability officer. "The impact that unwanted medications and pharmaceuticals are having on our water supplies is a matter of increasing concern and Covanta is proud to help provide a free disposal solution to address this issue."
World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, is designated by the United Nations as a day of the year to spotlight the issue of protecting and preserving our water supply and the collective efforts underway around the world to find solutions to ensuring access to clean and safe water for the global population.
Take-back events, like the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) upcoming national take-back initiative on April 28th, and other state and local efforts such as the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics' "Safe Trip for Scripts" program, provide a safe, confidential and proper way to dispose of unwanted medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, veterinary medications and nutritional supplements.
Utilizing Covanta's Rx4Safety program enables groups holding collections to ensure environmentally proper disposal. Covanta Energy's EfW facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art combustion and air pollution control equipment, providing safe, environmentally sound destruction of medication while protecting water resources and keeping unauthorized users safe from abuse.
Rx4Safety is part of Covanta's Clean World Initiative, (CWI) which works diligently to remove potentially harmful materials from the waste stream. In addition to Rx4Safety, Covanta helps to collect and properly recycle used rechargeable batteries and cell phones.
The company's mercury bounty program also regularly collects unwanted mercury-containing devices such as thermostats and thermometers, and fluorescent light bulbs.
Covanta Energy owns or operates five energy-from-waste facilities in Pennsylvania: Delaware, Dauphin, Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties.
Municipalities and agencies interested in participating in Covanta's program are invited to send email to: Rx4Safety@covantaenergy.com. For more information, visit Covanta's Rx4Safety webpage.
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3/26/2012 |
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