STATEWIDE–Saturday is the 22nd nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back Day.” The goal of the day is to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by disposing of unused or unwanted prescription drugs.
“Once you drop them off, they are properly disposed of without threat to the environment and the DEA handles all that. We don’t ask any questions. It is free and anonymous,” said Indiana State Police Captain Ron Galaviz.
Galaviz says this is for liquid and pill medications. Vaping pens without batteries will not be accepted for disposal, but vaping cartridges will also be taken. Needles will not be accepted because Galaviz says there is no way for them to dispose of those.
“This addresses a vital public safety and health issue. We know that medicines that languish in the home are subject to misuse, abuse, being stolen, or ending up in the wrong hands,” said Galaviz.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, says Galaviz.
“Also, don’t flush them down the toilets or your kitchen or bathroom drains. That poses an environmental hazard,” said Galaviz.
It runs from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday. If you would like to drop off your prescription drugs, you can find a State Police post closest to your home or business, go to in.gov.
LISTEN: Full interview with Ron GalavizÂ
