Montpellier. On Saturday, Vermont will have the ability to easily and safely dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medications at 55 locations across the state.
Every spring and fall, Prescription Take-Off Days are held to encourage Vermonters to clean out their first aid kits and responsibly dispose of leftovers by delivering them to local distribution points.
Safe disposal helps prevent the possibility of painkiller abuse—nearly half of the people who misuse painkillers get them from relatives or friends. This reduces the risk of children and pets accidentally swallowing them. It also helps us avoid danger to waterways and wildlife, which can happen when you wash away the medicine or throw it in the trash.
Vermont Law Enforcement raised over £6,950 this spring. (3.5 tons) of drugs. Since Vermont began participating in 2010, the state has collected over 96,450 pounds of unused drugs.
“Dealing with the remaining drugs is one small step that makes a big difference,” Gov. Phil Scott said. “Prescription drug return days remain an important part of our prevention strategy as we face the opioid epidemic.”
Take Back Days is organized in partnership with the Department of Health, local and state law enforcement, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The collected drugs are safely collected in one place, stored for a short time, and then the DEA takes them out of the state and burns them.
In addition to the Take Back Day site, Vermont residents can process prescription drugs year-round at their local pharmacy or police station, and can order drug return envelopes for free.
Vermont is advised to take basic steps to ensure that drugs are used as directed and safely disposed of when they are no longer needed:
For more information about how to safely store and dispose of prescription drugs, visit healthvermont.gov/doyourpart.
Post time: Oct-29-2022