Danville Police to Host “Drug Takeback Day”

DANVILLE – Residents looking to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs will have the opportunity to do so Oct 27, 2018 when the Danville Police Department joins with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to hold a drug disposal event at the Danville Town Offices, 510 La Gonda Way.

At the event, officials will accept pills and other solids such as patches, and liquids in consumer containers. Illicit drugs, intravenous solutions, needles and other sharps will not be accepted. For ease of disposal, participants are asked to place the medications in a sealed bag for drop-off.

For the free and anonymous event, citizens can bring their prescription drugs to the Town Offices from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and drop off their medications for disposal.

“We are pleased to be able to provide this event for our community,” said Danville Police Chief Allan Shields. “It encourages residents to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals, reducing the possibility of abuse or theft of drugs.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to prescription drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, residents are advised that disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash poses potential safety and health hazards.

Individuals who cannot attend the Drug Takeback Day can still drop off pharmaceuticals, including sharps, in bins at the front desk of the Danville Police Department during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.