Batavia Police Will Participate In National Drug Take-Back Day

BATAVIA, IL — The Batavia Police Department will collect unwanted or expired prescription medications as part of National Drug Take-Back Day, officials announced Friday.

Police are working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to offer the service as a way to provide the public with a safe, responsible and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs.

"According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs," officials said in a news release. "The study shows that most abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths."

People can drop off items at the police department, 100 N. Island Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30.

Officials will accept controlled, non-controlled and over-the-counter substances at the event. Solid dosages in pharmaceutical products may be accepted, as could pint-size bottles of cough syrup if they're sealed and in their original container.

People will have to pour pills into a plastic bag, remove labels from the original container and take the empty containers back, police said.

At the upcoming event, police will also collect vape pens or other e-cigarette devices but only after batteries are removed. Police said they are not responsible for removing batteries.

Police said they will not accept needles, illegal substances, DEA controlled drugs, inhalers or IV bags.