Geneva participates in 19th National Drug Take-Back Day

Free, anonymous, no questions asked

GENEVA – The Geneva Police Department will be working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in collecting expired or unwanted prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 as part of the National Drug Take-Back Day, officials announced in a news release.

This is the 19th time Geneva Police have participated in the drug take-back program for the public.

People can turn in their medications to the records specialist at the front desk of the Police Department, 20 Police Plaza, Geneva.

People can turn in prescription medications, drug samples, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, pet medications and non-controlled DEA drugs.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

After 2 p.m. Oct. 23, the department will revert to its current practice of accepting unused medication from only Geneva residents.

Pills should be removed from their original container by pouring them directly into a plastic bag. People should take any empty prescription bottles and boxes that may contain any personal information back home.

The department will not accept liquids, ointments, illegal substances, narcotics, thermometers, IV bags, sharps, needles, bloody or infectious waste or empty containers.

Started in 2010, this initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.

These medications should not be flushed down the toilet or sink because they could end up in local drinking water supplies.

By turning in old medications, people are preventing pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.