On Wednesday, March 23rd, the Barnstable County Food Waste Diversion Work Group met with local farmers, haulers, restaurants and local officials to discuss options for managing food waste on the outer Cape. If you weren't able to make it, you can download a copy of the presentation, by clicking here.  

 
Earlier this month, Governor Baker signed into law a comprehensive drug abuse prevention bill that requires drug companies to pay for and manage the safe disposal of unwanted medicine. 

According to Product Stewardship Institute, "Over $1 billion in leftover drugs are thrown in the trash, flushed, or consigned to medicine cabinets each year. Drugs left in the home can get into the hands of children and potential addicts. Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the U.S. Last year, Massachusetts had 1,256 accidental drug-related deaths. When flushed or put in the trash, over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs can potentially contaminate waterways and the drinking water supply."
Here on Cape Cod, the Cooperative Extension has worked with every police department to install unwanted medication drop boxes in police department lobbies as an immediate disposal option.

In addition, the DEA will hold its annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April, 30th and Walgreen's will be working to install kiosks in its Massachusetts stores this year.  CVS and Rite Aid also offer mail back programs for unwanted medication.