Winn-Dixie utilizes Sharps Compliance's TakeAway program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie on Monday announced that its pharmacy will offer specially designed medication disposal envelopes to help its customers safely dispose of unused, outdated or unwanted medications.

The specially designed TakeAway Environmental Return System envelopes, made by Sharps Compliance, offer a convenient, safe and environmentally responsible method to dispose of unused, expired or unwanted noncontrolled prescription or over-the-counter medications, the grocer stated.

"Winn-Dixie is making it easy for our customers to dispose of unwanted medications, preventing potential misuse of these medications and also preventing contamination of our lakes and rivers, many of which serve as community water supplies," stated John Fegan, Winn-Dixie VP pharmacy.

Customers can place unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications, excluding controlled drugs, in the envelope, seal it and then drop it in the mail. The postage-paid envelope is sent to an approved treatment facility, where licensed law enforcement oversees the safe and environmentally responsible disposal process.

The TakeAway envelope solutions are available for $2.99 in all of Winn-Dixie's 379 in-store pharmacies in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Controlled medications are excluded from this program because of current federal regulations.