DEAR SUN SPOTS: How does a person dispose of expired medication? I know Lewiston High School had a day last year for people to drop the medications off. Do you know if and when that will take place again? Thanks for everything you do! — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots began looking for options at the state level, where she was told that the program the state used to have was temporary and based on a grant from the federal government, which has expired.

Sun Spots was then referred to several other agencies, finally ending up with the answer from Susan Martin at the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, who provided the following information:

“Maine residents have two options to safely dispose of unused and unwanted medicines. Improper disposal of medications poses threats to the environment; they should not go into sewer systems since most pass through sewage treatment processes and can harm aquatic animals and possibly plants.

“One option is the National Take Back Initiative. The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., throughout the nation. AVCOG partners with Healthy Androscoggin to coordinate collections in Lewiston and Auburn.

“Locations have not been confirmed yet, but most are at police departments throughout the region. Last year’s locations for Lewiston-Auburn were Farwell School and Auburn Central Fire Station. Once arrangements have been made (after mid-March), detailed information will be available in newspapers and on AVCOG’s website, www.avcog.org, or you may call Healthy Androscoggin, 795-2120, or AVCOG, 783-9186. Information will also be updated on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website www.justice.gov/dea/ (or 1-800-882-9539). Michael Wardrop from Maine DEA is the coordinator for Maine.

“Medications that are accepted include expired or unwanted prescriptions, vitamins, veterinary medications, homeopathic treatments and over-the-counter medicines. Not accepted are mercury thermometers, needles or syringes, or electronic equipment.

“Another program, while supplies last, is the Safe Medicine Disposal for ME Program. It is a mail-back program, and envelopes can be obtained from participating pharmacies. Currently, for Androscoggin County, envelopes can be obtained by contacting The Medicine Shoppe (783-3539) and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice (777-7740), both in Lewiston. For more information about the program, visit www.safemeddisposal.com or call 1-866-ME-RX-RID (1-866-637-9743).”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me where/how I can dispose of an old American flag? — Jason, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots checked her archive and discovered that several groups, such as the Veterans Council, American Legion and Boy Scouts hold flag-disposal ceremonies regularly, often on Flag Day, June 14. Some of those groups will undoubtedly do the same this year, and she hopes they’ll let her know their plans.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the persons trying to recycle yellow newspaper bags: Save them up for a week or two and then put them out for the paper carrier to reuse. I’m sure they would be happy to reuse instead of buying new ones. This works well for us in Lisbon Falls. — Dan, dang.32@hotmail.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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