If you have expired, leftover, or unwanted prescription medications, now is the perfect time to clear them out responsibly. The Geneva Police Department is urging residents to take part in National Drug Take-Back Day, scheduled for Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the police department’s headquarters located at 20 Police Plaza, Geneva.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Geneva police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, aimed at ensuring that unused medications are disposed of safely, preventing them from entering the water supply or becoming a potential source of abuse.
Residents can drop off their medications at the front desk with the help of a records specialist. The following items are accepted for disposal:
- Prescription medications
- Medication samples
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins
- Pet medications
- Vape pens (after removing batteries)
When preparing your medications for drop-off, remember that pills should be taken out of their original containers and placed directly into a plastic bag. Any pills that are in blister packs may remain in the plastic, but should be removed from their boxes. Liquids must stay sealed in their original containers during drop-off.
Residents should also ensure that they take home any empty prescription bottles or boxes that have personal information on them, as these will not be accepted for disposal. Additionally, there are some items that cannot be accepted, including:
- Ointments
- Illegal substances or narcotics
- Thermometers
- IV bags
- Sharps or needles
- Bloody or infectious waste
- Empty containers
The collection service provided by the Geneva Police Department is completely free and anonymous—no questions will be asked. After the 2 p.m. cut-off, the department will resume its standard policy of accepting unused medications solely from Geneva residents.
National Drug Take-Back Day first launched in 2010 and serves as an important outreach to promote safe and responsible disposal of prescription drugs. The initiative not only provides a convenient way to dispose of medications but also highlights the environmental risks involved in improper disposal methods, such as flushing medications down the toilet or sink. Such practices can lead to pollution of local drinking water supplies. Moreover, improper storage of medications poses a significant risk of misuse and abuse.
The Geneva Police Department encourages all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure safe medication disposal. The potential hazards of keeping unused medications at home can be detrimental to both households and the broader community, emphasizing the importance of taking part in this essential public health initiative.
