DRBA Police to join national Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Police Department will once again participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 28th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26.

The event aims to reduce the risks associated with unused and expired prescription medications by providing a secure and convenient way for the public to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26, the DRBA Police will host three collection sites for residents to safely drop off expired or unused medications.

DRBA’s event locations

These sites will be located at the Wilmington Airport Terminal in New Castle, Del., the Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes, Del., and the Cape May Ferry Terminal in Cape May, N.J. Participants are encouraged to clear out old prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and even expired animal medications and vitamins.

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“We’re pleased to be able to once again participate in this national program to take old prescription drugs and expired over-the-counter medicines out of circulation,” said Col. Wayne McFadden of the DRBA Police Department. “With the proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs, you’re ensuring that these medications don’t find their way into the wrong hands. We encourage folks to take advantage of this program to do a little extra spring cleaning.”

The event is part of a broader national effort to address the growing concern of prescription drug abuse, as well as to protect the environment.

Improper disposal methods, such as flushing drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, can lead to health and safety risks, including water contamination and drug abuse.

The Take-Back Day offers a secure way to dispose of medicines without such concerns.

Participants will not be required to provide any identification, and law enforcement will not ask questions about the medications being surrendered.

However, they are advised to remove any personal information from the packaging before disposal.

Since the DRBA first participated in the DEA’s Take-Back initiative in 2010, it has collected over 3,700 pounds of medication.

This year’s event is expected to continue that positive impact by giving the public an easy, anonymous way to dispose of unwanted drugs safely.

For those unable to attend the DRBA locations, the DEA has an online tool to help find the nearest drop-off site. Residents can click here and search for collection sites by entering their zip code.