Montpelier, Vt. - At a press conference Thursday, Governor Phil Scott urged Vermonters to take advantage of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27. This statewide event provides the opportunity to safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
“We all know the devastating impact of our opioid crisis and substance abuse in general, and we know that having unused prescriptions out there only adds to this challenge,” Governor Scott said at the press conference. “So, I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this event - check your medicine cabinets and get out there this weekend to return any prescriptions you don’t need.”
Collection sites across the state will offer safe, convenient and responsible disposal of leftover medication. Discarding medication at collection sites ensures that it is not misused or taken accidentally and prevents harm that can occur to waterways and wildlife when medication is flushed or thrown in the trash.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for Vermonters to participate if they have leftover prescriptions in their homes,” Governor Scott concluded.
Take Back Day is organized in partnership with the Vermont Health Department, state and local law enforcement and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Vermonters disposed of 6,008 pounds of medication during last year’s Take Back Day, and about 32,000 pounds since 2015.
What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Vermonters will be able to return unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs to “Take Back” collection sites around the state
When: Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Find a collection site near you at takebackday.dea.gov or healthvermont.gov/doyourpart. You can also dial 2-1-1 or go to vermont211.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss Take Back Day?
Don’t worry! Vermonters have several options. The Health Department coordinates a system of permanent prescription drug disposal sites, such as at pharmacies and police stations where disposal boxes or kiosks are in areas open to the community. The department also offers free prescription mail-back envelopes. Go to healthvermont.gov/doyourpart to find a permanent drug disposal site near you or to request a free mail-back disposal envelope.
Do I need to take off labels or empty the bottles?
Not if you don’t want to. Medication can be discarded on Take Back Day the same way it came out of the pharmacy, but you can still drop off medication even without the original packaging. You may remove your personal information.
What’s not accepted on Take Back Day?
Liquids or sharps (such as syringes) are not accepted. Look for a permanent drug disposal site that accepts these items at healthvermont.gov/doyourpart. Here’s information about how to properly dispose of a needle in the trash: healthvermont.gov/sharpsdisposal.
How much gets collected?
In 2018, more than 12,000 pounds collected on Take Back Days and at permanent locations throughout the year were disposed of properly, and 1,100 mail-back envelopes were returned.
What happens to the drugs after law-enforcement collects them?
All the dropped-off medication is securely gathered in one place, briefly stored, then transported out of state by the DEA and incinerated.
Learn more and find a drop off location near you at healthvermont.gov/doyourpart.
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