Prescription Drug Takeback Day Is Saturday

Old, expired and unused medications can be safely disposed of during the 21st Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday. Numerous law enforcement agencies are taking part in the twice-yearly event.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, last April in Delaware more than 5,100 pounds of medications were collected at 25 locations.

The chief purpose of drug take-back day is to keep medications from being abused or stolen.

“The abundance of unused drugs in our medicine cabinets and communities has helped to fuel the opioid epidemic,” Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay said. “By turning in your no-longer-needed prescription medications safely on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, you can help fight the epidemic in Delaware while also making your home safer.”

Police departments in Delaware and Maryland will accept unwanted medications Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. To find a location, please CLICK HERE

More from DPH:

Medications being disposed of on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack, or zipped plastic bag, with personal information removed. Liquid medications must be in their original containers. Needles, aerosols, biohazard materials, medical equipment and batteries will not be accepted.

Maryland State Police barracks will also accept returns of prescription medications Saturday. During the first six months of 2021, 1,358 unintentional overdose deaths involving drugs and alcohol have been confirmed in the state. Opioids accounted for 1,217, or nearly 90% of overdose deaths reported through June 2021.

The Cape May – Lewes Ferry terminals will also serve as drop-off locations.

“The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids has found that 66% of teens who misused pain relievers got them from family and friends, including their home’s medicine cabinets,” DRBA Police Administrator Richard Arroyo said. “It is important to properly dispose of expired, unwanted or unused prescription medicines to diminish opportunities for easy access to these medications.  We hope many people will take advantage of this opportunity to do just that.”