National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is happening on Saturday, October 25, across New York State. For those looking to get rid of prescription drugs that may be lying around the house or office, this is the perfect time to dispose of them properly and safely.
Maybe you’ve been sick in the past or had surgery and still have leftover medications you don’t know what to do with. Experts and health officials warn that you should never leave prescription drugs sitting around, flush them down the toilet, or toss them in the trash. Doing so can be dangerous—not only to the environment but also because there are people who go to great lengths to get their hands on certain medications, like painkillers.
There are several locations around Buffalo and Western New York, including many police stations, that will be accepting unwanted prescription medications for safe disposal.
Perhaps you also know someone who has passed away and left behind a considerable amount of medication. Families often don’t know what to do in these situations and may just throw them away, which could create a serious safety risk.
It’s important to note that syringes, liquids, and needles will not be accepted at take-back locations.
The DEA offers a helpful online resource to find a collection site near you. Simply enter your ZIP code, county, city, or state to locate a nearby drop-off location.Last October, there was a massive amount of prescription drugs collected. The DEA reports that in last year’s take back the “Total Weight Collected: 629,953 lbs. (314 tons)” New sites are added frequently, so be sure to check back for updates.
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