HONOLULU (KHON2) — U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement are partnering with the state again to collect expired or unused medications for the semi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back day on Oct. 25.
“The results of past DEA take back events are substantial, with thousands of pounds of unneeded, potentially dangerous medications being collected and safely destroyed,” said Jerome Souza, acting assistant special agent in charge of the DEA, Honolulu District Office. “Through collaborative education and action, we can save lives.”
The free, anonymous service accepts tablets, capsules, liquids and other forms of medication at drive-through collection sites on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — no questions asked.
“This is a great time to clear your medicine cabinets at home of any unused or unwanted medications, and this program ensures that those medications will never be misused,” said Jared Redulla, DLE deputy director for Law Enforcement.
Labels do not need to be removed, and everything can be kept in its original container.
Vape or e-cigarette devices will only be collected after batteries are removed. New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted.
Collection sites are available on Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi.
Site locations by island
Oʻahu:
- Hawaii State Capitol – Beretania Street drive-thru
- Honolulu Police Department: Pearl City Police Station – parking lot
- Times Supermarkets Kahala – parking lot
Maui
- Maui Police Department: Main Station – parking lot
Kauaʻi
- Kauai Police Department: Main Station – parking lot
Proper medicine disposal
Medicine should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet where it can potentially enter the human water supply or harm aquatic life, officials said.
The Department of the Attorney General listed the following reasons for why proper disposal of medicine is important:
- Medicines may lose effectiveness after the expiration date.
- People may mistake one type of medicine for another, or children may mistake medicine for candy.
- Increased risk of accidental poisoning, especially in homes where children or kupuna live.
- Improper use of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drug use.
“Through collaborative education and action, we can save lives.”
Jerome Souza
To find the nearest location for year-round medication drop-off sites visit the DEA collection site.