The national Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is partnering with local law enforcement agencies and other government and community partners for its first-ever National Take-back Initiative to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
The DEA hopes the initiative will prevent prescription drug abuse and theft. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, take your expired or unwanted prescription drugs to a local drop-off site.
The two closest sites to Phinney-Greenwood are: Seattle Police Department’s North Precinct, 10049 College Way N.; and Shilshole Bay Marina, 7001 Seaview Ave. NW, Suite 100.
The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, 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. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.
