M.e.t. Helps Keep Water Clean
Recent news about pharmaceuticals turning up in drinking water has many worried about Tulsa’s water quality. Help stop water pollution by disposing of medications and other chemicals at the Fairgrounds Pollutant Collection Event 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5-6 at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Gate 7 entrance.
This is a free opportunity for area residents to responsibly dispose of unused or unwanted household chemicals and make their homes, neighborhoods and the community safer. For years, healthcare professionals recommended flushing unwanted pills down the toilet, but studies show trace elements of pharmaceuticals are turning up in water supplies nationwide.
“We have known about medications in treated wastewater for a couple of years,” M.e.t. Executive Director Michael Patton says of the report. “Tulsa has safe water, but everyone should be concerned by the news that the country’s drinking water is affected. Proper disposal of medications is a small step in keeping our water safe.”
In addition to unused medications, residents can dispose of household cleaners and toxins, yard-care products, pesticides, acids, caustics, thinners, household flammable liquids, bullets (50 caliber and smaller), smoke alarms, all automotive fluids, mercury thermometers, unused pool chemicals and oil-based, aerosol and hobby paints. Items NOT accepted at the event include latex paint, tires, computers and commercial waste.
Residents from Tulsa County and surrounding areas are encouraged to participate. Tulsans can go through their homes, assess what they have, read the labels and decide if they can use it. Proper usage and storage is the best solution for household pollutants. For more information visit www.metrecycle.com.
This event includes the cities of Bixby, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Collinsville, Coweta, Glenpool, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Tulsa and Tulsa County.
Updated 03-24-2008
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