Installation of Used Medicine Collection Boxes
at Senior Centers in Five Townships Including Ibam-myeon
On September 8, Yeongyang County installed used medicine collection boxes at five senior centers in Ibam-myeon, Ilwol-myeon, Cheonggi-myeon, Seokbo-myeon, and Subi-myeon to ensure the safe retrieval of unused or expired medicines left at home.
Used medicines refer to leftover drugs from households, medicines that have expired, or those that can no longer be used due to deterioration or spoilage.
If unused medicines are neglected at home, there is a heightened risk of drug misuse and adverse effects. Furthermore, if they are disposed of indiscriminately, it can lead to environmental pollution, including ecosystem disruption, making safe collection and management essential.
Yeongyang County has already been operating used medicine collection boxes at 14 public health institutions, 4 pharmacies, 6 administrative welfare centers, and 39 senior centers in Yeongyang-eup. By installing additional boxes at senior centers, which are frequently visited and easily accessible to the elderly, the county aims to increase convenience for seniors and make it easier for local residents to bring in unused medicines.
When used medicines are generated, glass or plastic containers and paper boxes should be separated for recycling at home. The contents should then be sorted by type-such as tablets, powders, and syrups-and brought to a health institution, pharmacy, township office, or designated senior center equipped with a collection box.
County Governor Oh Dochang stated, "We will ensure the safe collection of unused medicines left at home to prevent drug misuse and protect the environment," urging residents to actively participate in the collection of used medicines.
Yeongyang County Expanded Installation of Expired Medicine Collection Boxes at Senior Centers.
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