National Prescription Drug Take Back Day set Oct. 29

The Delaware River and Bay Authority Police Department will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s 23rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes. This initiative, which focuses on removing potentially dangerous drugs from the nation’s homes, provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal.

This program provides an easy, no-hassle way for the public to properly dispose of unused drugs. “Old prescription medicines neglected inside home medicine cabinets are vulnerable to abuse,” said Col. Wayne McFadden of the DRBA Police Department. “By properly disposing of your unused or expired prescription drugs, you’re ensuring that these medications don’t find their way into the wrong hands. We encourage folks to take advantage of this important public service program.”

The program is strictly confidential. “No questions or requests for identification will be made by law enforcement personnel present,” said McFadden. “In fact, participants will be asked to remove any personal information from bottles or packages.”

Numerous collections sites are established throughout the area for the public to relinquish over the counter, controlled substances, or prescription drugs – including tablets, capsules, ointments, creams and liquids as well as expired animal medication and vitamins. No syringes please.

Since the bi-state agency began participating in the NTBI in 2010, more than 2,500 pounds of medication have been collected at DRBA sites. Typical methods for disposing of unused medicines – either flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose potential safety, health, and environmental risks. Drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved, abused or illegally sold. Flushing unwanted medicines may contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

To locate nearby collection sites, go to dea.gov and click on the drug disposal icon to enter a ZIP code.