Dispose of Unwanted Meds During Drug Take-Back Initiative

Authorities are encouraging the public to participate in the nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.

Anyone with unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications can safely dispose of them at collection sites in Kona and Hilo. The medication disposal is anonymous.

“Having unused and expired medicine in your home increases the risk of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisoning,” Hawaiʻi Police stated in a press release. “Proper disposal also helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering a human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.”

Medications can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the following locations: Ka Waena Lapaʻau Medical Complex parking lot, located at 670 Ponahawai St. in Hilo and the Kona Police Station, located at 74-0611 Hale Makaʻi Place in Kailua-Kona.

Tablets, capsules, and all other solid dosage forms of medication will be accepted. New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted. Illicit substances, such as marijuana or methamphetamine, are not a part of this initiative.

For more information about the drug take-back program, visit www.dea.gov.