Melrose Police Department to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day on October 26

Chief Michael Lyle is pleased to announce that the Melrose Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day.

WHEN:
Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Driveway next to the Melrose Police Department, 56 W Foster St.

WHAT:
National Drug Take Back Day is a free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs.

As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.

"We encourage residents to take this opportunity to properly dispose of prescription medications," Chief Lyle said. "These drugs pose environmental and health risks when disposed of incorrectly. By ensuring they've been properly disposed of, people can also prevent those medications from being taken by someone struggling with substance use."

Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 469 tons (more than 937,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,300 sites operated by the DEA and almost 5,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Locally, more than 80,000 pounds of drugs were collected in Massachusetts.

Overall, in its 17 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in more than 11.8 million pounds of pills.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about the Oct. 26 Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.