Port Washington Police Are Taking Back Your Unwanted Prescription Drugs

The Port Washington community can help prevent pill abuse and theft by emptying their homes of unwanted and unused prescription drugs and bringing them to Port Washington Police Headquarters for disposal on Saturday, April 30.

This is the eleventh time in six years the Port Washington Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration has offered this free and anonymous service.

The event provides a safe way to rid homes of medications. Disposing of pills by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posts potential environmental, safety and health hazards, the DEA reported. Additionally, a majority of abused prescription drugs are found by family and friends in medicine cabinets.

Pill owners can drop off their medications at Port Washington Police Headquarters, located at 500 Port Washington Boulevard, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps: just pills or patches.

Americans turned in 350 tons of prescription drugs last September. Drug take-back events were held at at more than 5,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners.

In its 10 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds, which equates to more than 2,750 tons, of pills.

If residents are unable to attend the event, they can drop off prescription drugs at the drug disposal box, located in the lobby of police headquarters. The box is open 24/7 and no appointment is necessary. The service is free and anonymous and no questions will be asked. Liquids, needles and sharps are not accepted: just pills or patches.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website or www.portwashingtonpolice.com.