DOVER - Law enforcement agencies throughout Delaware will collect unused, expired and unwanted medications during Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Milford police spokesperson Sgt. Robert Masten said that Take Back Day “provides a much needed outlet for our community to properly dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs. This event allows for proper disposal of these drugs and greatly reduces the chances for these pills to end up in the wrong hands.”
Members of the public can enter the department’s lobby and drop drugs into prepared boxes “with no questions asked,” Sgt. Masten said.
“The boxes get sealed and turned over to the DEA for proper disposal. We are only able to accept pills and patches during the take back.”
For Camden Police Chief Marcus Whitney, the event “reduces medical waste and assists in preventing controlled prescribed substances from falling into the wrong hands (potentially to be abused) .
“It also has a safety aspect for small or young children in the home.”
According to the host U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency as of Tuesday, participating municipal police departments in Delaware included Smyrna, Blades, Camden, Delaware City, Cheswold, Dover, Felton, Lewes, Middletown, Milford, Milton, Newark, Ocean View, Selbyville, and Wilmington,
While most dropoffs can be made at police department, Smyrna will be set up at Atlantic Apothecary, Lewes at the city public works building, and Townsend at the volunteer fire company.
Delaware State Police will host a take back site at the ChristianaCare Surgicenter in Newark.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority will collect unwanted prescription drugs at the New Castle County Airport in New Castle and Cape May- Lewes Ferry Lewes Terminal building lobby.
Dover Air Force Base is participating at its fire department location.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Updated information on location sites and addresses are available online at DEA.gov/takebackday.
“Old prescription medicines neglected inside home medicine cabinets are vulnerable to abuse,” said Col. Wayne McFadden of the Delaware River and Bay Authority 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.”
Additionally, Col. McFadden said, “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 will be accepted.”
According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, “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. “
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