On Saturday, April 24, north Gwinnett residents will have an opportunity to drop off unused prescription medications at two local Gwinnett police precincts and the Suwanee Police Department.
The Gwinnett County Police Department and Suwanee police are partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
“The purpose of this initiative is to combat an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic,” a news release from the Gwinnett Police Department stated. “Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse.”
The release stated many teenagers who abuse prescription drugs get them from home medicine cabinets, and unused drugs that are flushed down the toilet can contaminate the water supply.
“The proper disposal of unused drugs can save lives and protect the environment,” the release stated.
Residents who have tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription drugs can drop them off at the collection sites for proper disposal. Liquids, syringes, sharps and other drugs will not be accepted.
Unused prescription medications can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the Gwinnett police north precinct at 2735 Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford and the east precinct at 2273 Alcovy Road in Dacula.
“People who drop off will not be asked questions about their medical history or how they came into possession of the medications,” the release stated.
All collection sites will adhere to COVID guidelines and regulations to maintain the safety of all participants.
The Suwanee Police Department is registered with the DEA to collect unused medicines for safe disposal any time. Residents can drop off medications between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Our disposal box provides an easy, no-cost opportunity to remove medicines languishing in the home that are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse and theft,” said Suwanee Police Chief Cass Mooney.
Residents can also dispose of unwanted medications at the Suwanee Police Department in conjunction with National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24.
