One Habit at a Time – Dispose of Drugs Safely

In Palo Alto, curbside collection makes the recycling of paper, glass, cans and plastic pretty simple. Other items, such as plastic bags, styrofoam blocks and peanuts and batteries, need to be taken to the recycling center, which is open daily. Still others, such as old paints, poisonous substances, or medications, should be taken to toxic waste disposal, which is only open the first Saturday of the month.  There are various programs which collect items such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, and cell phones, for re-use, but it takes time and energy to find them. Our friends at First Methodist have made these processes easier for their members and they invite anyone to take advantage of their programs.

     Safe Disposal of Prescription/Non-prescription Drugs:

Why?  Your participation in this program helps keep toxic substances out of our water supply and prevents land pollution.
Who and Where? First Methodist has a city provided collection barrel in the lobby of the Education Building at First United Methodist Church at 625 Hamilton Street between Webster and Byron. You can either enter from Hamilton or from the parking lot behind the church accessed on Byron Street.
When? The office is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
How? Leave items in their original containers. Mark out personal information if you wish. Liquid medications must be in leakproof containers.
What to bring?  Prescription medications, over the counter medications, medication samples, medications for pets, vitamins, medicated ointments/lotions, inhalers
What NOT to bring? Needles/sharps, thermometers, controlled substances/narcotics, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, empty containers, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans

     Other Items Collected for Reuse or Recycling:

Why not?!  Keep stuff out of the landfill and avoid extra trips. Bring these to the office at First Methodist. Here’s what they collect and where it goes:

Eyeglasses and hearing aids are taken to Avenidas.
Cell phones go to the Support Network for Battered Women.
Batteries go to the collection program at Ace Hardware. 
HP cartridges are recycled at Office Max for a discount on copier/printer paper. 
Other brands of ink cartridges are sent to another recycling organization for cash. 

With thanks to Nancy Olson from First Methodist of Palo Alto, another member of the faith sector of Palo Alto Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP)

First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto
www.fprespa.org/coolplanet
August, 2008