Grand Prairie Reporter

Participants may dispose of the medication in its original container, or they may place it directly in the disposal box. All liquid medications should remain sealed in their original containers. Intra-venous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens. Surrendering medications to law enforcement officers and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in this manner is the best way to safely dispose of these potentially hazardous materials. Please do not flush medications down the drain, which results in contamination of the water supply. Water treatment plants were not designed to remove pharmaceuticals, so medications should never be flushed or washed down the drain.

The DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies, began this program to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, and to address the growing issue of prescription drug abuse. More than 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, as well as the home medicine cabinet. Because there are generally high concentrations of prescription drugs in assisted living centers, these residences are strongly encouraged to participate. While officers are not allowed to travel to these locations to pick up drugs, residents may designate a representative to compile and deliver the medications to the drop-off location. Through this program, the DEA has removed more than 300 tons of these easily accessible prescription drugs.

Source: City of Grand Prairie