Meijer introduces drug return kiosks

If you were to open your medicine cabinet right now, chances are high that you would find some vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, or prescription medications that you either no longer need, or can no longer use because they are expired. You would not be alone, but what do you do with them?

Grand Rapids-based Meijer, in a continuing effort to be a one-stop-shop kind of retailer, has just made disposal of such products much easier. It has launched a new Consumer Drug Take-Back Program using kiosks. Customers can find the easily identifiable kiosks in the pharmacy area in all 241 Meijer supercenters across the Midwest. There is no cost to take advantage of the service.

“Meijer is thrilled to be one of the first in our industry to provide a secure and convenient prescription drug take-back program at all stores in the communities we serve,” said Jason Beauch, Vice President of Meijer Pharmacy.

Meijer pharmacists will work in partnership with InMar Rx Returns to properly document, transport and dispose of medications on a regular basis.

Consumers who don’t properly deal with expired or leftover medications can pose several risks to individuals or the community at large. Theft of unused prescription medications is one of the most common sources of drug addiction. Simply throwing out unused medications and vitamins often means they end up in ground water and can pose a public hazard. With well over a hundred locations in Michigan, Meijer had presented the community with a safe and convenient alternative.