PETOSKEY, Mich. (AP) -- An environmental group says a drop-off program in northern Michigan is helping prevent drugs from contaminating the region's waters.
The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in Petoskey says the program begun three year ago provides locations at law enforcement agencies where people can dispose of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines and personal care products. Almost 5,000 pounds have been collected.
For many years, people were advised to flush unused drugs down the drain to avoid misuse. But scientists determined that pharmaceuticals were polluting waterways and called for other means of disposal.
Tip of the Mitt policy specialist Jennifer McKay says the network of drop boxes gives people a safe alternative. The boxes can be found at police agencies in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Grand Traverse counties.
