National Drug Take Back Day Scheduled for April 25th: Safe Disposal of Prescription Medications

1 hour ago

Gino Devaney,

Graphic Courtesy of Hamilty County Coalition

In The Know with Gino…

This Saturday, April 25th, marks the annual National Drug Take Back Day, an initiative led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to encourage Americans to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. The event aims to reduce the risk of medication misuse and environmental contamination.

The DEA provides an online locator tool to help residents find nearby collection sites. By entering their zip code, city, or county, individuals can identify the closest drop-off locations. In Chattanooga, participating sites include the Red Bank Police Department, Chattanooga State Campus Police, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department.

In addition to these, the Hamilton County Coalition has organized 17 drop-off locations throughout the county. These sites accept a variety of medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and even vape pens or electronic cigarettes. On Saturday, Hamilton County residents can bring their unwanted medications between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The Soddy-Daisy Police Department will also be accepting medication disposal from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., providing a convenient option for local residents.

Year-round, several agencies serve as permanent drop-off points. The McMinn County Justice Center features a 24/7 drug drop box inside its main lobby, while the Athens Police Department’s collection site is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office also participates in ongoing medication disposal efforts.

These efforts are crucial in preventing medication theft, misuse, and environmental harm, making Saturday’s event an important opportunity for community members to responsibly dispose of their unused drugs.