Havre de Grace Police To Take Back Prescription Drugs Saturday

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Prescription drug abuse often starts with a legal prescription, and the majority of drug abusers say they get their drugs from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The agency is working with law enforcement agencies across the country for National Drug Take Back Day, including the Havre de Grace Police Department.

Saturday is your chance to dispose of unused drugs safely in Havre de Grace before they end up in the wrong hands.

The Havre de Grace Police Department will collect unused prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 26. No questions will be asked at 715 Pennington Avenue.

The service is free and anonymous. All pills will be accepted, but liquids, needles and sharps can’t be taken during this event. The Environmental Protection Agency offers guidance on disposing of sharps and other medical waste.The Food and Drug Administration offers tips on getting rid of liquid medicines that are expired or no longer needed.

It’s not just opioids that pose dangers. Expired prescription drugs can be less effective or risky due to changes over time in chemical composition. Some expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Expired antibiotics may not treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance, the DEA said.

If you can’t make it to any of those locations, there are six permanent drop-off boxes in Harford County for disposing of drugs, including at the Havre de Grace Police Department:

• Havre de Grace Police Department, 715 Pennington Avenue, Havre de Grace
• Harford County Sheriff's Main Office, 45 S. Main Street, Bel Air
• Harford County Sheriff's Northern Precinct, 3724 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville
• Harford County Sheriff's Southern Precinct, 1305 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood
• Aberdeen Police Department, 60 N. Parke Street, Aberdeen
• Bel Air Police Department, 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air