Making Waves - Flush Responsibly; Pollution Prevention Institute Grants; DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day; Environmental Excellence Awards

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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MakingWaves - News from the Division of Water

In This Issue:

  • A Reminder to Flush Responsibly
  • Pollution Prevention Institute Community Grants
  • DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Postponed
  • DEC Accepting Applications for Annual Environmental Excellence Awards

A Reminder to Flush Responsibly

Wipes in treatment plant

Certain materials flushed down toilets can damage sewer systems, wastewater treatment operations, or private septic systems, even when they are labeled as flushable. Correcting the damage is expensive, so do not flush any of the items listed below, no matter how small. Please throw them in the trash. 

  • diapers
  • baby wipes
  • disinfectant wipes
  • personal hygiene products
  • any paper products other than toilet paper (e.g., paper towels, facial tissues, paper napkins)

 Clogged treatment systems are expensive to clean out.


Pollution Prevention Institute Community Grants

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is now accepting applications for its Community Grants Program 2020-2021 for pollution prevention outreach and education projects. Eligible groups include community organizations and local government agencies based in New York State. The program is designed to support initiatives that raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues and that lead to adoption of sustainable practices. Applications are due May 29, 2020.


DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Postponed

Due to the Covid-19 health crisis, the Drug Enforcement Administration's April 25, 2020 National Take Back Initiative to collect unused prescription drugs has been postponed. However, there are many free collection sites across New York where households can safely dispose of unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals. 

DEC guidance asks the public to return unused pharmaceuticals to pharmacies or law enforcement stations that offer collections or to use mail-back returns. With technological advances and increased water quality research, low levels of medications have been detected in lakes, streams, and rivers. Many drugs pass largely unaltered through wastewater treatment plants and enter rivers and other waterways. 


DEC Accepting Applications for Annual Environmental Excellence Awards

Environmental Excellence Award

DEC is accepting applications for the 17th annual Environmental Excellence Awards program. The Environmental Excellence Awards recognize businesses, institutions, municipalities, and organizations for outstanding commitments to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability. You must submit applications by Friday, April 17, 2020.