Area police departments are collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Administration to remove potentially dangerous prescription drugs from homes Saturday.
The National Take-Back Initiative will provide a unified opportunity for the public to turn in expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications to law enforcement for destruction between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Police departments participating in the event are:
Dearborn, 16099 Michigan Ave., 313-943-2240.
Dearborn Heights, 25637 Michigan Ave., 313-277-6770.
Lincoln Park, 1427 Cleophus, 313-381-1800.
Melvindale, 3100 Oakwood Blvd., 313-429-1070.
Riverview, 14100 Civic Park Drive, 734-281-4222.
Southgate, 14710 Reaume Parkway, 734-258-3060.
Taylor, 23555 Goddard, 734-287-6611.
Wyandotte, 2015 Biddle, 734-324-4405.
Drop-offs are free and anonymous. Only pills will be accepted. No liquids or needles may be turned in.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue.
Unused medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
Traditionally, medications were flushed down the toilet. This in turn subjects the water supply to a multitude of chemicals that cannot be purified through the current water processing methods.