Operation Medicine Cabinet dropoff Feb. 20

Drop off your unwanted medications
for safe disposal Feb. 20.

A one-day drug-collection event called Operation Medicine Cabinet aims to thwart misuse and improper disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Unused or expired medications often end up in the wrong hands or flushed down the drain, posing a threat to public health and our water supply. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has joined a coalition of local organizations offering valley residents a safe way to dispose of unused drugs.

Anyone can drop-off medications, anonymously with no-questions-asked, during Operation Medicine Cabinet, Saturday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Sport Center of Las Vegas on 121 E. Sunset Rd.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs have emerged as the "party" drugs of choice for many teens, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. "Children, teens or visiting friends can easily access these drugs from a medicine cabinet or out of the trash," said Sgt. Paul McCollough from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's narcotics division.

When medications are flushed in a toilet or poured down the drain, extremely low levels of the substances can remain in our water supply, which can impact the environment. Simply discarding medications in the trash isn't good enough.

The LVVWD and University of Southern Nevada College of Pharmacy suggest these proper disposal methods:

1. Dump all pills in a sealable bag.
2. Crush the pills with a heavy object.
3. Add an absorbent product to the bag, such as coffee grounds, kitty litter or sawdust.
4. Pour liquid medications into the mix and seal.
5. Discreetly hide in the garbage.

Operation Medicine Cabinet offers a simple alternative. Visit operationmedicinecabinetlv.org to learn more.