Unused Pills Can Be Dropped Off In Queens For Drug Take-Back Day

FOREST HILLS, NY -- New Yorkers looking to properly dispose of any unused medications can drop them off in Forest Hills on Oct. 28. during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The event is part of a nationwide effort by the Drug Enforcement Agency to curb opioid and other prescription drug abuse, which often begins with drugs obtained from the home medicine cabinets of family and friends, according to the agency. The DEA designates turn-in points across the country to properly dispose of the medicine.

The NYPD's 112'th Precinct, which houses Forest Hills and Rego Park, is the designated drop-off spot in Northern Queens this year, police told Patch. New Yorkers can leave their unused or expired pills at the precinct, located at 68-40 Austin St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. A DEA agent will pick up the medicines and dispose of them properly at the end of the day, police said.

Substances Accepted at the Take-Back Event include unused or expired prescriptions that you legally possess or that were prescribed to a person in your household. Substances not accepted include: illegal drugs, Insulin syringes or other medical sharps and needles, asthma inhalers, Iodine-containing medications, mercury-containing thermometers.

Click here for a full list of of National Prescription Drug Take Back sites in your area.