The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District held its 12th semiannual Shed the Meds event at the District headquarters on Oct. 29.

Despite rainy conditions, traffic steadily made its way through the contactless drive-thru site—amounting to 196 cars that collectively dropped off 545 pounds of unused or expired pharmaceuticals, as well as eight full containers of medical sharps.

Since the event began six years ago, the district has now collected more than 5,000 pounds of unused pharmaceuticals and medical sharps.

The district’s Shed the Meds event is also one of the only places where residents can safely dispose of medical sharps on Long Island, as most local police precincts, healthcare locations and other pharmaceutical take-back day events do not accept these materials.

“Twice a year, the Shed the Meds event provides our residents with the unique opportunity to safely dispose of both their unused pharmaceuticals and medical sharps in one close-to-home location,” said GNWPCD Commissioner Patty Katz. “The success of this fall’s event not only brought our residents together but demonstrated how the Great Neck community values our environment and the protection of Manhasset Bay.”

The biannual event, hosted in partnership with Reach Out America, Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, Nassau County Police and the Key Club at Great Neck North High School, aims at protecting local water sources and raising awareness of the dangers of flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet.

State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena were on hand to aid district officials in collecting and disposing of these materials.

For additional information and updates about the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, visit the website at www.gnwpcd.net to sign up for email newsletters or call the office at 516-482-0238.