Newton Police Announce Drug Take Back Day

NEWTON, MA – The Newton Police Department, Health and Human Services and the DEA will hold a drug giveback program on October 22 for residents to turn in unwanted prescription substances.

Pills may be discarded at the Newton Police Department Garage, located behind headquarters at 1321 Washington St., West Newton, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Intravenous solutions, injectable drugs or needles, illegal narcotics and weapons will not be accepted - needles may be dropped off at the Rumford Avenue Resource Recovery Center, 115 Rumford Ave., Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Proof of Newton residency is required.

According to law enforcement officials, about 350 tons of prescription drugs were dropped off at more than 5,000 DEA and law enforcement sites in September. The initiative was established to address the health hazards that prescription drugs pose if not carefully monitored.

In addition, residents are advised that the old methods of getting rid of pills – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose significant safety and health risks.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 22 Take Back Day event, visit the DEA Diversion website.

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