Tewksbury Police To Host Drug Take Back Event

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury police will be hosting a medication disposal event Oct. 23 as part of National Drug Take Back Day.

Residents can bring unneeded drugs to the police headquarters at 918 Main Street for free, anonymous, no-questions-asked disposal.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23.

Drug take back events are meant to address public safety, public health and environmental concerns.

"Medicines that remain in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse," the police said. "Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet."

Environmental agencies ask that people not flush unused medicines down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Drugs in the water supply can have harmful effects on aquatic life.

"Residents are asked to remove the pills from the prescription bottles and seal them in a plastic “Ziploc” type bag before arriving at Police Headquarters," the police said. "Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. Please ensure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage."

Sharps will not be accepted for disposal, the police said. For information on how or where to dispose of sharps, contact the Board of Health at 978-640-4473.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or [email protected].