This weekend, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offers citizens a chance to dispose of pills, cough syrup, and other unwanted medications that have been piling up around their homes. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020.  This event is one of the few days of the year where citizens can drop off expired or unused prescription medications in a safe, convenient, and responsible manner.  Vaping pens WITHOUT batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken, but please keep in mind that this program WILL NOT ACCEPT NEW OR USED NEEDLES. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.  

This program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that linger in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  

In addition, citizens are now advising that their usual methods for disposing of unused medications are flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash.  Both methods pose potential safety and health hazards.  

Citizens wishing to participate in this program may drop off their prescription drugs for disposal on Saturday, October 24, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at any Indiana State Police Post throughout the state (except the Toll Road). This includes the Putnamville Post located at 1927 West US 40, Greencastle, IN 46135.

To locate the Indiana State Police post closest to your home or business, click this link: http://www.in.gov/isp/2382.htm  To find other locations participating in the Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, use this link to the DEA: https://takebackday.dea.gov