October 20, 2016
The Richmond
Police Department, with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will host
a Drug Take-Back initiative from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 22 at
the Arthur Ashe Athletic Center, 3017 N Boulevard and Southside Community
Center, 4100 Hull St.
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. Residents also are asked not to
flush the prescriptions into the sewer system for environmental reasons.
Last April,
Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at
almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and
local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back
events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200
tons—of pills.
“This is an
excellent opportunity to dispose of unused or expired medications in a proper
way,” said Captain Michael Zohab of the Department’s Special
Investigations Division. “These medications should not be kept around the
house. Bringing them to the Drug Take-Back event could save a life.”
All prescription
medications collected will be incinerated according to federal and state
environmental guidelines. Richmond Police asks that you do not bring syringes
or illegal narcotics for disposal to the collection sites. Medical waste or
bulk commercial medications will also not be accepted. Those disposing of
medications may remain anonymous.
Law enforcement
agencies across the country are hosting similar events. To find locations
outside Richmond go to: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/
