Medicines play an important role in treating many conditions and diseases, but when they are no longer needed it’s important to dispose of them properly to avoid harm to others. October 26, 2013 is Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.Why Dispose of Unused Drugs?
According to Justice.gov:
- Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse.
- Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision.
- The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in America.
- The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends – and the home medicine cabinet.
- Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply.
- Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
- Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs. But if a program is not available:
- Take the meds out of their bottles;
- Mix them with something unappealing like used kitty litter or coffee grounds;
- Seal them in a bag or disposable container, and throw that away.
Richmond Area Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and Document Shredding
When: Saturday, October 26, 2013, 10am – 2pm
Where: West Creek Emergency Center, 12720 Tuckahoe Creek Court, Richmond, VA
Join West Creek Emergency Center for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to safely dispose of your unused or expired prescription drugs.
This year the event also offers document shredding, tech recycling and the donation of clothing and household goods to help organize your life.
- Prescription drugs in containers or bags. No needles will be accepted.
- Maximum of 4 boxes of paper items for shredding per vehicle.
For more information, call 804-320-DOCS (3627).
