Clear out the medicine cabinet: Locations across Delaware will be taking unwanted drugs
After collecting more than 4,000 pounds of unwanted medications across the state during the last event, multiple locations across Delaware plan to participate again in the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Police departments across the state, including Wilmington, Dover and Newark, will be accepting unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs, along with controlled, uncontrolled and over-the-counter medications, free and anonymously.
The national event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and locations can be found on the DEA's website at https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.
The goal of the twice-a-year national initiative is to provide an anonymous disposal option for unneeded medications.
Where can I drop off these medications and drugs?
During the last take-back event in the spring, 22 Delaware law enforcement agencies participated. This year, 20 departments are involved, according to the state Department of Health and Social Services.
Delaware City Police Department, 407 Clinton St., Delaware City
Dover Police Department, 400 S. Queen St., Dover
Felton Police Department, 24 E Sewell St., Felton
Delaware River and Bay Authority Police at the Cape May Lewes Ferry Building, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes
Laurel Police Department, 205 Mechanic St., Laurel
Lewes Police Department, 129 Schley Ave., Lewes
Middletown Police Department, 130 Hampden Road, Middletown
Milford Police Department, 400 NE Front St., Milford
Milton Police Department, 101 Federal St., Milton
Delaware River and Bay Authority Police at the New Castle County Airport Terminal, 151 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle
New Castle County Police Department, 3601 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle
Newark Police Department, 220 S. Main St., Newark
University of Delaware Police Department, 413 Academy St., Newark
Delaware State Police at the Christiana Surgical Center, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark
Newport Police Department, 15 N. Augustine St., Wilmington
Ocean View Police Department, 201 Central Ave., Ocean View
Selbyville Police Department, 1 Church St., Selbyville
Townsend Police Department, 107 Main St., Townsend
Wilmington VA Medical Center Police, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington
Delaware Department of Justice at Shipley Living, 2723 Shipley Road, Wilmington
Wilmington Police Department at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium, 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington
A permanent collection bin is also offered at the Wilmington Police Department, located in the lobby of the department's headquarters at 300 North Walnut St.
How should you bring your medications?
Medications must be in a container, such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack or closed plastic bag with all personal information removed.
Prescription drugs will be accepted, as will controlled, uncontrolled and over-the-counter medications that are in need of safe disposal (no, you shouldn't flush them down the toilet).
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These medications, whether expired or unwanted, can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse, according to the DEA.
Vapes and e-cigarettes will also be accepted if batteries are removed.
Can you bring used needles?
Yes, but used needles are only accepted at specific locations, including Laurel, Milton, Middletown and Wilmington police departments.
The state said those bringing needles will need to sign a waiver specifying that their needles are from home use.
Do people really bring their medications?
Yes. Since 2010, the state has collected over 114,000 pounds of unwanted medication, according to the state Department of Health and Social Services.
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Can I get Narcan at these events?
Overdose response education and free Narcan will be available at Wilmington, New Castle, Middletown, Dover, Milford and Laurel police departments.
Nationally, more than 663,000 pounds of unwanted medications were collected at over 4,900 sites across the U.S. last spring, according to the DEA.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Drug Take-Back Day: Where to dispose of unwanted medications