Expired and unused prescription medications are a public safety issue that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, abuse and illegal sales. These medications cannot be turned in to your local pharmacy and should not be flushed into the sewer system for environmental reasons.
To assist in the proper disposal of these drugs, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agencies across the country will host a nationwide drug take-back initiative from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.
The Richmond Police Department will have two collection sites open to the public that day:
• East District Center, 701 N. 25th St.
• Southside Community Service Center, 4100 Hull St.
“This is a public service that possibly will help prevent a tragedy,” said Lt. William Blackwell of the Department’s Special Investigations Division. “Old and unused prescription medication should not be kept around the house, especially if there are children or elderly residents there. They should be properly disposed of and this is the perfect opportunity.”
Residents are welcome to bring unused or expired prescription medications to either location. Police ask that you do not bring syringes or illegal narcotics for disposal to the collection sites.
All prescription medications collected will be incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines.
