The annual DEA Drug Take Back Day for outdated or unused prescription drugs is this Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Anyone with out of date or unused prescription medications can bring those medications to the Kewanee Police Department on Saturday so that they may be safely disposed of. The danger of keeping outdated medications include them possibly falling into the hands of children or being used after they’ve expired, among other possible dangers. Turning in prescription drugs during Drug Take Back Day assures that the drugs can be disposed of safely and effectively. Kewanee Police SGT. Michael Minx has taken the time to answer some general questions people have regarding what can and cannot be disposed of during the Drug Takeback Day event.
Q: May we bring the containers that the drugs come in as well as the drugs? – Yes, you may. No need to separate the drugs from the vials. Plastic and glass are acceptable; however, NO NEEDLES.
Q: May we bring pre-loaded syringes? – Yes, as long as the needle has been removed by the patient. You may accept Epi Pens since the needles are sheathed.
Q: What should I do if I have syringes with needles that need disposed of? – Refer to the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel
Q: May we bring inhalers? – No. We can’t accept inhalers or any aerosol medications because they “pop” or explode at the incineration facility.
Q: May we bring veterinary drugs? Yes. Veterinary drugs are available by Rx and over-the-counter (OTC). ALL Rx and OTC drugs are acceptable. The species of the “consumer” does not matter.
Q: My local pharmacist says we have to remove the Rx label from the vials before we can accept them per HIPPA privacy rules? – No. HIPPA does not apply to you or this situation. This is a voluntary project that is consumer driven. You are under no obligation to remove anything from any label. The consumer should remove or deface the label if they are concerned before placing the vial in the bag. All material in these containers will be incinerated. You may reassure the public that their privacy is being protected.
Q: May we bring medications from a nursing home? – Yes. Medications dispensed to clients in a nursing home are prescribed to the patient and are not the property of the nursing home, so they may be accepted.
Q: Should we count the drugs or keep a log? – No. These drop-offs are intended to be anonymous. Do NOT count or inventory the drugs. In fact, we advise you not to touch them at all. Have the consumer toss the container into the bag and they walk away. It is that simple. We are not opening the bags at all. We don’t want to risk an accidental needle stick or expose ourselves to whatever contagions may be present and neither should you.
