Sarasota Police To Hold Drug Take-Back Day Oct. 28

SARASOTA, FL — Residents can safely dispose of unused prescription drugs when the Sarasota Police Department takes part in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Residents are encouraged to bring expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs to the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Authorities said the drop-off service is free and anonymous.

The event allows residents to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

A drug drop-box in the lobby of the Sarasota Police Department is available year-round.

"Medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse," the police department said in a news release. "Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved, abused, or illegally sold. Proper disposal of unused drugs can save lives and protect the environment. Prescription drugs unused and flushed can contaminate water supplies.

Drop-off sites can collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Only specific sites can accept liquids, needles, or sharps. The DEA National Take-Back Day is free and anonymous, with no questions.

During the last National Take-Back Day in April 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration collected 332 tons (663,725 pounds) of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications nationwide. Clearing out unused medicine is essential, with studies indicating many abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including home medicine cabinets, the DEA said.

Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com or by calling 800-882-9539.