DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Campaign



DEA TAKEBACK OCTOBER 28TH 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AT FIRE HEADQUARTERS 



What is the DEA National Takeback day?

Every April and October, The Town of North Haven and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) team up host a medication collection event, usually the third Saturday of the month (10am-2pm).  This event gives the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.  Visitors are asked to bring medications for disposal to North Haven Fire Headquarters located at 11 Broadway.  The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. 

This is a drive through drop-off event.  Visitors simply need to pull down the driveway of Fire Headquarters and drive around to the back of the building, where they are greeted by staff to accept the medications.  Visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles and to hand the medications through the window to the staff.

Should I leave the medications in their packaging?

Yes, residents are asked to leave all medications in their original containers if possible.  Simply cross out the person’s name with a black marker to ensure privacy, but please leave the medication name on for reference. 

Are there items that are not accepted at this event?

Yes, items not accepted include:  syringes, needles or other sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, mercury thermometers, iodine-containing medications and illegal drugs or substances (including marijuana which is still a schedule 1 drug under federal law).  

What about vapes?

Drop offs of vaping products and electronic nicotine delivery devices (e-cigs, JUUL, etc., batteries removed) are encouraged and accepted.

 

What if I have items that are not accepted?

Follow these CT state guidelines from the CT DEEP for the safe disposal of sharps (needles, such as in EPI-Pens) and other items classified as biomedical waste. 

Also visit the Quinnipiack Valley Health District’s guidance at: Safe Medication and Syringe Disposal | qvhd.org

  I can’t make these events and I have unused medications, what can I do?

 If you cannot make either of these events, you are welcome to bring your unused medications to the medication drop box located in the lobby of North Haven Police Department at any time, year-round.  No questions asked, just drop them off at your convenience.

Are there items that are not accepted in the drop box?

Yes, drop Boxes do NOT accept thermometers, hypodermic needled and sharps, bloody or infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide, non-prescription ointments and lotions, aerosol cans, inhalers or medications from clinics or businesses.

How effective is this event?

According to the DEA, national numbers, during the last Take Back Day in October 2022, more than 647,163 lbs. (324 Tons) of unused or expired prescription medication and vape devices were collected at participating locations.

I have more questions…

For more information about this semi-annual event in North Haven, please contact Carla Picard in Community Services at 203-239-5321 x504.


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