This new year, make it your resolution to return your meds!

VANCOUVER, Jan. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - The new year is a great time for a fresh start - and the perfect time to clean out your medicine cabinet! The BC Pharmacy Association and the Capital Regional District urge British Columbians to return their old medications to their local pharmacy to protect themselves, their families and the environment.

"We are encouraging everyone to make a new year's resolution to safely dispose of their expired or unused medications," said Ralph Lai, president of the BC Pharmacy Association. "British Columbians can return these medications to pharmacies across the province at no cost."

More than 90 per cent of pharmacies participate in BC's Medications Return Program, which ensures safe and effective disposal of old or expired prescription drugs, as well as oral dosage over-the counter medications and natural health products.

Larisa Hutcheson, General Manager of the Environmental Sustainability Department at the CRD, said: "We're excited to partner with the BCPhA again this year to raise awareness and educate residents on the options available for proper disposal of unused medications. In our region, keeping medications out of our marine environment is an important factor that contributes to our environment's well-being."

More information about returning unused medications to pharmacies can be found at www.medicationsreturn.ca. For information on the CRD's Regional Source Control Program, including a short video on medication returns, visit www.crd.bc.ca/medications

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the regional government for the 13 municipalities and three electoral areas that are located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The urban centre of the CRD is the City of Victoria, and the regional district also includes many of the Gulf Islands, a number of rural municipalities and a vast tract of wilderness that lies along the south-western coast of Vancouver Island.

The British Columbia Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) is a not-for-profit, voluntary, professional association of pharmacists and pharmacies. It represents more than 2,700 pharmacists and almost 800 pharmacies throughout British Columbia.

SOURCE: British Columbia Pharmacy Association

To interview a pharmacist in your local area, please contact Elise Riedlinger, BCPhA: 604.269.2866 / [email protected]

To discuss the CRD's program, please contact Henry S.H. Lee, CRD: 250.360.3216 / [email protected]