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 Comox Valley 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."

BC's Medications Return Program ensures safe and effective disposal of old or expired prescription drugs, as well as oral dosage over-the counter medications and natural health products. More information on the program can be found at www.medicationsreturn.ca.

"The CVRD encourages everyone to return expired or unused medications to their local pharmacy to help protect our environment," said Edwin Grieve, chair of the Comox Valley Regional District board of directors. "The BC Recycling Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-667-4321 or www.rcbc.bc.ca for the most up-to-date drop-off recycling information."

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.

The CVRD covers an area of 2,425 square kilometres, of which 1,725 square kilometres is land (the remainder is water), and serves a population of 63,538 according to the 2011 federal census. Its borders extend from Cook Creek in the south to the Oyster River in the north, west to Strathcona Park, and east to take in Denman and Hornby Islands.

SOURCE: British Columbia Pharmacy Association

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

To speak with someone at the CVRD, please contact Leigh Carter: 250.334.6063 / [email protected]