New York State will be allowing municipalities to take back unwanted medications more frequently, keeping them out of the wrong hands and from being flushed down the drain into the environment.

The Drug Take Back Act has been signed into law giving manufacturers the responsibility for the costs of drug collection and destruction programs.

The plan also allows more drop boxes to be set up like collection sites currently in operation at the Broome County Public Safety Building and municipal offices and requires mail-order pharmacies to provide consumers with collection options.

Supporters of the new law have said not only does the proper destruction of medications help keep poisons from the land and water supplies, it helps in the fight against drug abuse.  Officials say the most common way for opioid addictions to start is when individuals have access to leftover prescriptions whether they are their own unused medications or meds. belonging to a friend or relative.

 

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM