Looking for a safe way to get rid of your unused or expired medication that is also good for the environment? If so, mark your calendar. The 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (30th in Adams County) is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Twice a year, our local law enforcement and Collaborating for Youth volunteers team up with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to host drug collections. The eight free take-back sites will offer a safe, convenient, and totally anonymous opportunity for residents to clean out and take back their expired and unused prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and pet medications. Loose pills, liquids, creams, and pill packs will be accepted. No needles, sharps, or intravenous solutions will be accepted. E-cigarette and vaping devices with lithium batteries removed may be disposed of. You can find the location of collection sites in Biglerville, Gettysburg, Carroll Valley, Littlestown, McSherrystown, Conewago Township, and York Springs by visiting www.cfygettysburg.com/mtb. In addition, the Adams County Coalition for Overdose Awareness & Recovery will be distributing naloxone, which rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, at all of our take-back locations.
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety and public health issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse, overdose, and possibly death. When you take back your medications, you are helping to ensure they do not get into the hands and mouths of unsuspecting children. Unused prescription medications thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Adams County is not insulated from such problems. Help prevent addiction and overdose deaths. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives, protects your family and community, and protects the environment.
If you miss this take-back, you can still safely dispose of your medications. There are medication collection boxes located throughout the county and available year-round. To find one near you, visit cfygettysburg.com/medicationcollectionboxes.
Adams County residents can also safely dispose of needles and sharps at the outdoor kiosk at United Hook & Ladder Co. 33 Station 3 Fire/EMS/Rescue, 10 Elm Avenue, Bonneauville.
So remember, if you’ve got drugs: keep them safe, clean them out, and take them back. Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Collaborating for Youth, our community coalition, is made up of local partner organizations and community members with a broad volunteer base throughout Adams County, Pennsylvania. Its mission is to develop the positive potential of youth within safe and supportive families and communities. For more information on Collaborating for Youth, visit www.cfygettysburg.com or call 717-338-0300.