City of Jerseyville and Illinois American Water Partner on Pharmaceutical Disposal Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water has partnered with Jerseyville to establish a permanent pharmaceutical disposal program, installing a drop box at the Jerseyville Police Department. This initiative encourages residents to safely dispose of unwanted medications through incineration, aligning with EPA guidelines. The program is part of a broader effort to create a secure network of pharmaceutical collection centers across Illinois, supported by local partnerships. The P2D2 model, developed by Pontiac High School students, has been recognized for its impact, contributing to the proper disposal of hundreds of thousands of pounds of medications.

Positive

• Introduction of a permanent pharmaceutical disposal program in Jerseyville.
• Collaboration with local police and pharmacies enhances community health safety.
• Supports EPA's recommended disposal method, preventing environmental contamination.
• Recognition of the P2D2 model indicates successful community involvement.

Negative

• None.

Illinois American Water and the City of Jerseyville have partnered to implement a permanent pharmaceutical disposal program in Jerseyville. Illinois American Water donated the pharmaceutical drop box, which was installed at the Jerseyville Police Department, located at 200 S. Jefferson Street in Jerseyville.

Residents are encouraged to drop off their unwanted medications so they can be incinerated, which is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended approach for pharmaceutical disposal. Flushing medications down the toilet or the drain as well as throwing them in the trash are discouraged.

“This program is a great opportunity for Jerseyville residents to stop by the Police Department and securely drop off any unused or expired medications,” said Chief of Police Brad Blackorby. “It’s important for us to keep these items not only out of our landfills and water supplies, but also out of the hands of our youth.”

The Jerseyville pharmaceutical disposal program is one of several supported through Illinois American Water’s initiatives. “Our goal is to establish a greatly expanded network of secure pharmaceutical collection centers throughout the state,” said Jennifer Doody, senior supervisor of operations for the Jerseyville service area.

Through collaboration with local pharmacies, police departments and government officials, Illinois American Water has implemented and supported over 30 pharmaceutical disposal programs from the Chicago Metro area to Waterloo. These programs are included in the Illinois EPA’s medication disposal map here https://tinyurl.com/6ycvzcxj.

The pharmaceutical disposal program model was developed by Pontiac High School students and their teacher Paul Ritter. The program, P2D2, has been recognized by Illinois EPA and the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Agency sponsors an annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Through all of these efforts, hundreds of thousands of pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed.

About Illinois American Water - Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210727005984/en/

FAQ

What is the pharmaceutical disposal program initiated by Illinois American Water in Jerseyville?

The program allows residents to drop off unwanted medications at a secure drop box installed at the Jerseyville Police Department for proper incineration.

Where is the pharmaceutical drop box located in Jerseyville?

The drop box is located at the Jerseyville Police Department, 200 S. Jefferson Street, Jerseyville.

What are the environmental benefits of the pharmaceutical disposal program?

The program ensures unwanted medications are incinerated instead of being flushed or thrown away, thereby protecting water supplies and landfills.

How many pharmaceutical disposal programs has Illinois American Water supported?

Illinois American Water has supported over 30 pharmaceutical disposal programs across the state of Illinois.

What is the P2D2 model mentioned in the press release?

The P2D2 model, developed by Pontiac High School students, is a recognized initiative for safe pharmaceutical disposal, contributing significantly to the proper handling of unwanted medications.