Mayor Scott Avedisian and Colonel Stephen McCartney are encouraging residents who have expired and/or unwanted prescription medications to take advantage of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday. 

Warwick residents are encouraged to bring prescription drugs to police headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive in Apponaug.

Warwick Police Department has a permanent receptacle in the lobby that is available for residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers will ensure that the medications are disposed of properly.  

No liquids, needles or sharps are accepted; only pills, patches or ointments. Items should be placed in a zip-top bag. No identifying wrapping or pill bottles should be placed in the receptacle. The service is free and anonymous. 

Through this effort, the DEA is giving the public its ninth opportunity in four years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Last April, Americans turned in 390 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,400 of its state and local law enforcement partners. All told, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.1 million pounds – more than 2,100 tons – of pills. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. 

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Improper disposal of prescription drugs can also impact the environment. These compounds have been found in waterways across the country, raising concerns about potential risks and effects on water quality and organisms that live in the water. Prescriptions should never be flushed down the drain.

This program receives funding from the city of Warwick Youth Programs Advisory/Prevention Task Force and the Warwick Police Department. 

For more information, call the Warwick Police Department at 468-4200 or visit the DEA website at deadiversion.usdoj.gov.