Drug Take Back Nets Thousands Of Pounds Of Unused Medications In Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks Countians disposed of 10,843.97 pounds of unused and expired medications during Saturday’s Drug Take Back Day, according to figures released by the Bucks County District Attorney’s office.

Since 2010, Bucks County has successfully removed more than 263,370 pounds of unused, unneeded medication from homes throughout the community.

Since 2010, Bucks County has successfully removed more than 263,370 pounds of unused, unneeded medication from homes throughout the community.

“These numbers represent a significant step in keeping our community safe and our water clean,” said the DA’s office. “Thank you to everyone who stopped by a drop-off site to help us reach these milestones.”

“The success of this year’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a direct reflection of the incredible hard work and coordination of our law enforcement partners across the county,” District Attorney Joe Khan said. “We are also grateful to the thousands of Bucks County residents who showed up to safely dispose of their medications. You directly helped us prevent addiction and protect our community.”

Beyond cleaning out medicine cabinets, this event served as an opportunity to provide resources. At six designated sites, NARCAN (Naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray was available to the public. This life-saving medication is essential for the emergency treatment of opioid overdoses.

Need Narcan? Bucks County residents can obtain this life-saving tool at no cost to them. Call 215-444-2700, email bcdac@buckscounty.org or visit bcdac.org.

Did you miss the event? It’s not too late to safely dispose of unneeded medications to make your home safer. Bucks County offers year-round, anonymous disposal for your medications. With 45 permanent drop-box locations situated in police stations and hospitals throughout the county, safe disposal is always available. To find the nearest location or to see a list of accepted items, visit bcdac.org .

The nationwide disposal campaign provides a way for people to dispose of their unused and expired medications, reducing the risk of abuse and environmental harm.

“Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands,” reports the Drug Enforcement Administration, which administers the program at the national level. “That's dangerous and often tragic. That's why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in - safely and anonymously - a record amount of prescription drugs.”

While nationwide collection results were not immediately known, the last collection in October brought in 286 tons, according to the DEA.