The Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste District announced the dates of two upcoming annual events in Lawrence County.

The Pharmaceutical Collection Drug Take Back Day is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 8 in the parking lot of Ironton Hills Plaza. Law enforcement will be available to offer security and a licensed medical professional will be available for prescription identification.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications, intravenous solutions, injectables and needles will be accepted at the Drug Take Back Day to be disposed of properly. It is advised to bring items in their original containers for easier identification, and if possible, to remove all personal information from the bottle.

Controlled substances, or any drug or chemical that is regulated by the federal government, and can be obtained legally only with a valid prescription, will be accepted. Illicit substances, such as marijuana or methamphetamines, are not part of the initiative.

Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital is assisting as well, providing containers for the sharps.

The age-old advice of flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet is now considered to be the least desirable of all alternatives. For many years, many households and businesses have gotten into the habit of flushing waste pharmaceuticals down the toilet, or pouring liquid medications down the drain because of low cost and appearing to be the simplest way to prevent unintended use.

However, wastewater treatment plants are not designed to treat pharmaceutical waste.

Studies conducted by the U.S. EPA have shown that pharmaceuticals are present in our water bodies, and further research suggests that certain drugs may cause ecological harm.

At last year’s Lawrence County Pharmaceutical Collection Drug Take Back day, 50 vehicles came through the event, and 65 lbs. of pills, 110 lbs. of sharps/syringes and 30 lbs. of liquid medications were collected.

The district will also be conducting its ninth annual Lawrence Countywide Cleanup Day, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 6.

The day involves numerous groups throughout the county taking part in cleanup efforts.

At last year’s Lawrence Countywide Cleanup Day, 50 groups participated, with more than 736 individuals collecting trash and debris. In total, there were 961 bags of litter/trash and 62 roll-off containers collected, amounting to 372 tons of garbage.

Anyone or group wishing to take part in this year’s Lawrence Countywide Cleanup Day should contact the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste District at 740-532-1231, and they will either mail or email the form to fill out.