Got unneeded prescription and over-the-counter drugs? National take back day is Oct. 24 on Big Island
Proper disposal of unused medications helps to protect the public and water supplies.
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have partnered to participate in the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The public is encouraged to dispose of unused or expired prescription and non-prescription medications at various locations statewide.
“Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of unused medications to help prevent prescription drug misuse in your community,” said Kenyon Terrell, assistant special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Honolulu District Office, in a news release.
Tablets, capsules, liquids and other forms of medications will be accepted. They may be left in their original containers, and labels do not have to be removed. Vaping devices will also be accepted, but batteries must be removed.
New or used syringes with needles will not be accepted.
Residents on the Big Island can dispose of medications at police stations with designated green collection boxes, allowing for anonymous drop-offs. They are:
- Hilo Station 349 Kapiolani St., Hilo
- Laupahoehoe Station, Puʻualaea Homestead Rd, Hilo
- Honokaʻa Station 45-3400 Mamane St., Honokaʻa
- Kapaʻau Station 54-3900 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaʻau
- Kona Station 74-611 Hale Makai Pl., Kailua-Kona
- Nāʻālehu Station 95-5355 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu
- Pāhoa Station 15-2615 Keaʻau-Pahoa Hwy, Pāhoa
- Waimea Station 67-5185 Kamamalu St., Waimea
For more information on disposal locations, visit the Dept. of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division website at health.hawaii.gov/substance-abuse.
Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is important for several reasons:
- It helps prevent medications from entering water supplies or potentially harming aquatic life.
- Misuse of prescription medications can pose serious health risks and can be as dangerous as illegal drug use.
- Keeping unused or expired medications at home increases the risk of accidental poisoning, particularly for children and older adults.
- Medications may lose their effectiveness after the expiration date.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is held twice a year.
