3 Tons Of Prescription Drugs Collected By Montco DA's Office

NORRISTOWN, PA -- Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and the Police Chiefs Association of Montgomery County announced that a record 5,637.8 pounds of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications were collected during the annual Take Back Day held April 30.

“This spring Take Back Day was an overwhelming success,” said Steele. “We collected 54 percent more than the spring 2015 Take Back Day, which collected 3,655 pounds. Getting these drugs out of medicine cabinets for safe disposal is an important step in the fight against drugs in our communities.”

The nearly three tons of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines were collected at 27 participating locations staffed by police departments on Take Back Day as well as through emptying the MedReturn Boxes that are permanently available across the county.

The medications, in black plastic bags and boxes, filled an entire box truck. Since the prescription medication disposal program began in 2010, more than 22,000 pounds of unwanted, unneeded and expired prescription and over-the counter medications have been collected and safely destroyed.

Residents who need to dispose of medications before the next Take Back Day in October can do so at 32 permanent Prescription Drug Disposal Boxes, many sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water in an effort to help keep our water supply safe.