Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Planned In Batavia

BATAVIA, IL — The Batavia Police Department will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency-coordinated National Take-Back Day Saturday, offering locals a way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications.

The free and anonymous event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at police headquarters, 100 N. Island Ave. National Drug Take-Back Day happens twice each year, first in April and again in October.

The initiative focuses on removing potentially dangerous controlled substances from medicine cabinets, according to a news release. It also helps prevent medications from being flushed down the toilet and ending up in the local drinking water supply.

Since the program launched in 2010, law enforcement agencies have helped remove more than 9,200 tons of medication from circulation, officials said.

Controlled, non-controlled and over-the-counter substances will be accepted, including:

• Prescription medications
• Medication samples
• Vitamins
• Pet medications
• Liquids, if in original, tightly sealed container

Batavia police said illegal substances, needles and empty containers will not be accepted. Pharmacies, hospitals and physicians are not permitted to drop off their excess medication for disposal.