CLEVELAND — Saturday, April 27 is National Drug Take Back Day, an opportunity for Americans to bring their unused and unwanted prescription drugs to locations around the country to safely dispose of them.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, residents are encouraged to bring any expired, unused and unwanted medication or disposal at a turn-in location near them.
Click here to search for the nearest drug turn-in location.
Note that the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles, only pills, patches and gels.
This year, Cuyahoga County and the Alcohol, Drugs Addiction and Mental Health Services Board are offering Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches, for those who are unable to get to a drop-off location, or for residents who prefer to dispose of prescription drugs at home.
These bags are easy to use: simply dump the medications in the bag, add warm water, close, shake and toss in the trash. The bags deactivate the active ingredients in the medication, so there are no environmental concerns with disposal of the bags.
Residents can pick up drug disposal pouches at Cuyahoga County Headquarters, 2079 East 9th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 and at the following locations:
· ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, 2012 W. 25th Street, Cleveland, 44113 Open Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Special Hours for Deterra Bag pick up only, April 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
· Cleveland City Hall (Citizen Center), 601 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland Open Weekdays, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
· Any City of Cleveland Police Station or Health Center
· Shaker Heights Fire Station 1, 17000 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
During the last national Drug Take Back Day last fall, Americans turned in nearly 460 tons of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,800 sites operated by state and local law enforcement partners.
