Senator Martins and Senator Skelos to Host Shed the Meds Program on October 22

Jack M. Martins

October 17, 2011

State Senator Jack Martins is partnering with NYS Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and the Nassau County Police Department to help residents safely dispose of their expired or unused medications. The program is another quality of life initiative sponsored by Senator Martins for the Elmont, Floral Park, South Floral Park, Franklin Square, Bellerose Village, Bellerose Terrace, Stewart Manor and North Valley Stream communities.

"I'm really pleased to bring this special program to our greater community. Shed the meds helps residents get rid of old expired medicines in our medicine cabinets, supports our environment and keeps our local water pure," said Senator Jack Martins noting, "residents should drop by and get rid of their expired medications. We'll be there from 9am until noon."

The “Shed the Meds” program will be held at the parking lot of the Alva T. Sports Complex, adjacent to the Elmont Library, located at 700 Hempstead Turnpike. The program runs from 9 am until 12 noon on Saturday, October 22nd. Participating in the program is easy; residents can drive up, drop off any medication that has expired or is no longer needed, and drive away. All medications collected will be safely disposed of by officers from the Nassau County Police Department. The program is being conducted under the supervision of the Nassau County Police Department.

Throwing out medications improperly, such as flushing them in the toilet or pouring them down the drain, can cause them to pollute local waterways. Safe disposal helps protect the environment and keeps medications out of the hands of young children or others who would use them improperly. "Shed the Meds helps everyone and protects our local community. It's a program the safely gets rid of old medicines, syringes and pill boxes in the proper way," concluded Senator Martins.

Residents who have questions about the program can call Senator Martins office at 516-746-5924 for more information.