National Operation Take Back, to be held nationwide on Saturday April 30, 2016, aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Last September, Americans turned in 350 tons (over 702,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 10 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds—more than 2,750 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.
This Saturday, from 10am to 2pm, the Hopewell Township Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is proud to offer it’s 11th “Operation Take Back,” marking its participation all national Take Back Days.
Bring your pills for disposal to the Hopewell Township Police Department at 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road but please no liquids, needles, etc. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. For further information or questions, please contact the Hopewell Township Police Department at 609-737-3100.
Mercer County is also hosting a Take Back event from 10am-2pm at the County Administration Building:
Need more locations? Check out this link for more prescription drop-off locations and events near you!
