NORTH READING – Chief Mark Zimmerman would like to announce that the North Reading Police Department and the North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition are participating in this year’s National Drug Take Back Day, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
WHEN
Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE
O’Leary Senior Center, 157 Park St.
WHAT
The North Reading Police Department will be collecting unwanted, expired, or unused prescription drugs as part of National Drug Take Back Day, a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs.
As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles, or sharps. Pet medication will also be accepted.
Signs will direct cars to enter one way. Residents will be able to remain in their vehicles as they drop their unused medications directly into bins and exit as directed by North Reading Police Officers.
“This is an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs,” said Chief Zimmerman. “Since 2017, we have collected over 2,800 pounds of unused prescription drugs. Getting these drugs out of homes and safely disposed of is a key strategy to keep people safe.”
Additionally, the Community Impact Team is offering free drug deactivation bags. These bags contain chemicals to render drugs inactive and are suitable for pills, patches, and liquid medications. The sealable bags can then be disposed of safely in the trash.
Flushing medications can create a negative environmental impact.
Deactivation bags are also able to be delivered to all Meals on Wheels clients in partnership with the O’Leary Senior Center, are available at the Food Pantry, or can be delivered to home mailboxes.
For more information’s about North Reading Drug Take Back Day or to receive a free drug deactivation bag, contact Amy Luckiewicz at coalition@northreadingma.gov or call 978-357-5054. Residents may also drop off unused medications at the North Reading Police Department’s 24/7 drug drop-off box located in the lobby.