The Hawaii Police Department is encouraging the public to participate in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative created by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The program is called National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., members of the public may turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications at the following collection sites for safe, anonymous disposal:
• Ka Waena Lapa‘au Medical Complex parking lot, 670 Ponahawai Street, Hilo;
• Kona Police Station, 74-0611 Hale Maka‘i Place, Kailua-Kona.
Tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms of medication will be accepted. New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted.
Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.
Also, for the first time, the DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop off locations during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. But please note that the DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium-ion batteries.
If batteries cannot be removed before dropoff, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium-ion batteries.
Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and death caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates.
To support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially amongst America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.
“DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative helps get unused and unwanted prescription medications out of circulation and ensures their safe disposal,” said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This year, we are taking a step further by accepting vaping devices and cartridges as we work with our federal partners to combat this emerging public health threat to the nation’s youth.”
The DEA has collected more than 11 million pounds (almost 6,000 tons) of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events.
DEA is continuing to register law enforcement partners, and collection sites for the upcoming Take Back Day. As of Oct. 15, more than 4,500 registered law enforcement partners will assist with more than 5,250 registered sites and 135 tribal locations across the country.
Having unused and expired medicine in your home increases the risk of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisoning.
Proper disposal also helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering a human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
For more information about the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day program, visit www.dea.gov.