Drug Take Back Day date announced

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day happens twice a year and continues to set records. The Drug Enforcement Agency says its last event brought in nearly 500 tons. The next one is set for Saturday, April 24th and the website is promising a list of local law enforcement agencies that will be participating soon.

You don’t have to wait four weeks to get rid of unwanted or expired medication, though. Houghton County Sheriff Brian McLean says there is a drop box at his office available anytime.

Proper recycling serves two functions. The first is safety. Expired pills and potential addiction to painkillers and other drugs can serve as dangers to loved ones. Another is environmental. Water treatment plants do not have fine enough filters to remove pharmaceutical remnants from being discharged into lakes and rivers.

It is recommended that the drop offs be done anonymously. At the very least, cover up names and other sensitive information on the label with a permanent marker.