EMMET CO. -- Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council has put out additional prescription drop off boxes in the region.
The purpose is to make sure toxins from medications were not getting flushed into local waterways.
Studies have revealed that toxins from people flushing old prescriptions down the toilet were being discovered in amphibians and fish in local waterways. They saw this an immediate problem and took action.
"The issue arose when we started seeing pharmaceuticals affecting aquatic resources," said Jennifer McKay, policy specialist for the Watershed Council. "We realized we needed to come up with a way other than flushing them or throwing them in the trash, which can still end up in the water resources."
Recently, new prescription drop off boxes were added at various locations.
Boxes are located in Grand Traverse, Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim and Cheboygan counties.
You can find them at sheriff's departments, city halls and other locations around the counties.
The boxes are meant for old prescriptions, over-the-counter pills and other personal care products.
In 2012, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council collected 2,000 lbs of pills. Since starting the project in 2008, they have collected 5,000 lbs.
