DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This Saturday, October 29

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 29, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications in a safe manner. Studies have shown that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from home medicine cabinets. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medication. 

Saturday’s Take Back Day will include the following locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications in liquid and solid form, vitamins, and syringes for proper disposal. E-cig devices and JUULs will also be accepted. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag. 
 

Drop-off locations from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm are:

Bartow Police Dept. – 450 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL
Davenport Police Dept. – 16 Bay Street W, Davenport, FL
Haines City Police Dept. – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lakeland Police Dept. – 219 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland, FL
Lake Alfred Police Dept. – 190 N. Seminole Ave., Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Hamilton Police Dept. – 100 Smith Ave., Lake Hamilton, FL
Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave., Lake Wales, FL
Winter Haven Police Dept. – 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW, Winter Haven, FL

 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5).  Only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.

 

Previous medication collections in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 25,967.8 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For information, call StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.