Unwanted medicines can be dropped off April 27

Some Wayne County police departments are planning to participate in the April 27 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

This service is free and anonymous. No questions are asked at any location.

“Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue,” said Cambridge City Police Department Cpl. Seth Biava in a news release. “Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives and protects the environment and our overall community.”

The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through environmentally friendly disposal of unwanted or expired pills or liquid medicines.

Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges also will be accepted.  

Many sites won’t accept needles or sharps.

Local collections include:

• Cambridge City Police Department: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 127 N. Foote St., Cambridge City. CCPD is partnering with Reid Health EMS, and will accept needles/sharps, unlike many sites. Sharps need to be separated. s.biava@cambridgecitypolice.in.gov or 765-478-1231
• Centerville Police Department: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., front parking lot, 5247 National Road W., Centerville. 765-855-5222
• Richmond Police Department: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 50 N. Fifth St., Richmond. Police ask for sharps to be separated and to let them know if liquid medications are included. 765-914-9146
• Preble County Sheriff’s Office, Eaton Police Division and Kroger Pharmacy, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Eaton, Ohio

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse and can lead to accidental poisonings and overdoses, according to Indiana State Police. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home cabinets.

Longtime methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing or trashing — pose both potential safety and health hazards. Environmental Protection Agency wants to prevent their release into ground water and surface water.

For those who can’t participate in the national event, Richmond Police Department and Reid Health’s main campus have drop boxes where medications may be taken throughout the year. Some pharmacies also will accept old medications for safe disposal.

For more information, visit www.dea.gov/takebackday.