National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: Safely Disposing of Medications in Monroe County

As our national opioid crisis continues to affect Monroe County and communities across the country. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day provides an important opportunity to fight back. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is your chance to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. This nationwide initiative, led by the DEA every April and October, helps to prevent drug misuse and addiction by removing prescriptions from the home. To date, these events have collected 18,570,487 pounds of prescription drugs, or 9,285 tons. 

With the next Take-Back Day on October 26, now is the time to gather any old prescriptions and dispose of them safely.

Why Safe Disposal Matters

Improperly stored or discarded medications can easily fall into the wrong hands. Whether it’s curious teens looking to experiment, or someone struggling with addiction, these scenarios are dangerous and preventable. Prescription drugs, particularly opioids, are sources of addiction – and potential overdose. Reducing access through proper disposal is a vital step toward keeping our communities safe.

Additionally, simply throwing medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet puts the environment at risk. Flushed drugs can contaminate water supplies, and prescriptions can still be found and misused when they’re thrown in the trash.

How to Safely Dispose of Medications

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day makes it easy to dispose of medications safely. You can bring your unused or expired medications to designated take-back locations across the country—no questions asked. Local law enforcement agencies and participating community locations will ensure that the drugs are properly handled and destroyed.

For residents of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, you can find a complete list of prescription drug take-back locations. Monroe County law enforcement agencies also maintain 24-hour drop-off boxes:

• Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
  Monroe County CourtHouse Lobby in Stroudsburg
• Pocono Township Police Department in Tannersville
• State Police Troop N, Stroudsburg Station
• Stroud Area Regional Police Station in East Stroudsburg

Remember, these locations are available all year long – not just on Take-Back Day!

Guidelines for Safe Drug Disposal

Accepted take-back items include:

• Prescription pills
• Patches
• Liquids
• Over-the-counter medications

The following items are not accepted, and you should contact your local hazardous waste department for more information on proper disposal.

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Compressed cylinders or aerosols (e.g., asthma inhalers)
• Iodine-containing medications
• Thermometers
• Alcohol & illicit drugs (i.e. marijuana, heroin, LSD, etc.)

Mark Your Calendar for Take-Back Day on October 26

Join thousands of others in protecting your home and community by participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this October. Then, make a habit of periodically disposing of your unused or unwanted medications. Preventing drug misuse starts with small actions like cleaning out the medicine cabinet. Together, we can reduce the risks of addiction and overdose.

For more information on safe disposal practices, or to find a take-back location near you, visit the DEA’s official Take-Back Day website or explore the Monroe County Fight Fentanyl website.