In a concerted effort to protect both public health and the environment, Rutherford County officials have taken a stand against potential water contamination and drug misuse—by way of a Recycling Roundup. Last Saturday's event, hosted at MTSU, saw sheriff's deputies collecting a significant 171.4 pounds of prescription medications, ensuring these substances stay out of the wrong hands, and just as importantly, our waterways.
These meds, a mixture of out-of-date prescriptions and unused pills, could have spelled disaster for both aquatic ecosystems and local communities. Lt. J.D. Davis from the Sheriff’s Office highlighted the event's dual benefit, stating that the collection "prevented the unused medications from being dumped into the water system or from being misused by people," as reported in a social media post from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.
Locals looking to dispose of their lingering medications safely don't need to wait for another roundup. The Sheriff’s Office offers a standing invitation to residents: unwanted drugs can be dropped off at any time in a specially designed bin inside their lobby at 940 New Salem Highway.
However, those seeking to dispose of needless medical waste and liquids must seek alternative disposal methods. The Sheriff's Office has clarified that these types of medical waste are not accepted at the drop-off location.
