Pharmaceutical Disposal Program

The Problem
For years, most people have flushed their unused medicines down the toilet or sink. After being flushed or poured down a drain, many medicines pass through sewer and septic systems. Sewage treatment plants and septic systems are not designed to treat all the substances contained in medications.

Pharmaceutical contaminants are a steady source of chemical exposure for aquatic species, and affect the quality of the waters we rely upon for drinking and recreation.  This can cause adverse effects in fish and other aquatic wildlife as well as unintentional human exposure to chemicals in the medications.  Keeping prescription and over-the-counter medicines out of the environment is an important way to prevent pollution of our Northern Michigan waters and the Great Lakes.

The Solution
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council initiated the POD Program – a multicounty-wide medication drug-take back initiative to provide a convenient and environmentally sound way for residents to properly dispose of medications. Currently, the POD Program includes community collection events in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, and Mackinac Counties. The POD Program also includes over 20 permanent collection drop boxes at law enforcement agencies throughout Northern Michigan.  Residents may safely dispose of prescription, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, and personal care products for free and the POD Program is the only program in Northern Michigan that can accept and dispose of controlled substances. 

By using the POD Program and properly disposing of unwanted pharmaceuticals and drugs, you will help us keep our rivers and drinking water clean and our communities and families safe.

To learn more about the POD Program, visit www.pillsinthepod.com

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DO YOUR PART! Share this information with family and friends. Download and print one of our three brochures. 

Program brochure

For caregivers of small children and teens

For caregivers 
​of the elderly