National Drug Take Back Day

The misuse of prescription drugs is a significant problem across our nation. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs, most often obtaining them from the medicine cabinets of family and friends. The simple step of ridding your home of old and unwanted prescription drugs can greatly reduce the chances of misuse.

In addition to hosting the year-round drop-off unit for old and unused prescription drugs, the City’s Police Division also participates in the spring and fall DEA TakeBack Days coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

The collection is being conducted drive-thru style in the parking lot of the Municipal Services Center. Only prescription pills are accepted at this collection.

Accepted items:

• Any prescription pills

Unaccepted items:

• Thermometers, liquids, inhalers, ointments, syringes/needles (sharps), medication/medical waste from businesses or clinics, any over-the-counter medication

If you have other medicines or medical supplies that you wish to dispose of safely, here are some guidelines:

• Liquids and ointments – mix with cat litter or coffee grounds, then place in a disposable container with a lid, and put in the trash
• Used sharps (lances, needles, etc.) – place into a plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle. When the container is half full, seal the lid with tape, mark the container with “used sharps, do not recycle,” and place in your trash

For the rest of the year, visit the Police Division section of our website for details of accepted items. Or visit the //takebackday.dea.gov/ for other drop-off sites.