Proper disposal of unwanted medication is a must. It not only keeps prescription drugs out of the wrong hands, but also keeps waterways clean and healthy. As part of the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26th, law enforcement agencies across Hampton Roads will accept any unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications from 10 am to 2 pm. Finding a participating location near you is easy with the National Take Back Initiative Collection Site locator. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration program provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
It’s important to remember to NEVER put medication down the drain or toilet. The wastewater treatment process cannot remove pharmaceutical chemicals from water before releasing it back into local rivers and streams. Our fish don’t need painkillers or high blood pressure treatments so make sure you don’t send any chemicals their way! If you can’t make it out to one of the prescription drug collection sites on April 26th, please visit the medication disposal page at askHRgreen.org for information on how to responsibly dispose of your expired, unused, or unwanted medication.
