Big Island police encourage public to participate in National Drug Take-Back Initiative

Big Island police are encouraging the public to turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications and vape and e-cigarette devices as part of the National Drug Take-Back Initiative.

The goal of the event is to help reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 29, the public can turn medications for safe, anonymous disposal. The Hawai‘i Police Department will be collecting the drugs at the following sites:

• Ka Waena Lapaʻau Medical Complex parking lot, 670 Ponahawai St., Hilo.
• Kona Police Station inside lobby, 74-0611 Hale Makaʻi Place, Kailua-Kona.

Tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms of medication will be accepted. Vape or e-cigarette devices will be collected only after batteries are removed.

New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted. Illicit substances, such as marijuana or methamphetamine, are not a part of this initiative.

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

For more information, click here.