SWAMPSCOTT — The town will participate in the 17th National Take Back Initiative on Saturday.
In collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Swampscott Police Department is giving the public an opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs, according to a press release. The drop off location for pills and patches will be the police station at 531 Humphrey St.
The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or anything sharp. The national initiative is meant to prevent pill abuse or theft in residential homes. It is free and anonymous with no questions asked.
Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, according to the release. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses.
Bringing in prescription pills to a police department is the preferable method for disposal. Flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety hazards.
