Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies are participating in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25. Prescription Drug Take Back Days are held annually in April and October, to draw attention to proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs to insure they don’t wind up in unintended hands.
The best way to dispose of most types of unused or expired medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter) is a take-back option, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines.
Medications thrown in the trash could wind up in unintended hands or in the soil or waterways. Flushing medications has the potential to harm wildlife, as water treatment systems aren’t designed to handle them, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Farmington Hills Police Department at 31655 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills is participating in Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25. For more information, call the Investigative Division at 248-871-2770. Other law enforcement agencies are also participating, visit www.dea.gov/takebackday for nearby locations. Many police departments and pharmacies maintain secure drop-off bins for unneeded prescriptions year-round.
Meijer pharmacies collect unused and expired medications at every in-store pharmacy, everyday including Oct. 25. Customers can access the kiosks year-round for disposal of over the counter and prescription medications, including controlled substances, during normal pharmacy hours. Assistance is available, if needed, https://meijercommunity.com/drug-take-back.
Kroger Co. announced its participation in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25. Individuals can safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications with law enforcement officers outside at participating locations, including the Rochester Hills Kroger at 65 S Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, and the Sterling Heights location at 43893 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, (no medications will be accepted inside stores).