The Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Franklin County Public Health, in support of local partners, encourage Franklin County residents to dispose of their expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications safely on Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Law enforcement agencies across Franklin County will be on site at 15 designated locations throughout the county to collect medications and needles (at certain locations). They will be disposed of without harming the environment and help reduce the opiate abuse problem in Franklin County. Drug Take-Back Day is completely anonymous and no questions will be asked and no identification is needed.
“We know that unused or expired prescription medications are a public health issue leading to abuse and overdose,” said President of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners John O’Grady. “Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives, and protects the environment.”
“Safely disposing of unused medications and needles not only protects the environment but protects our residents,” said Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner. “When prescription drugs and needles are left in our homes, someone can fall prey to drug use and addiction or may be poisoned. We want to do what we can to stop opiate addiction and prevent poisonings,” he added.
In April 2017, 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites across the United States was collected.
A listing of collection sites for Drug Take-Back Day and permanent sites in Franklin County can be found at
www.swaco.org/196/Pharmaceutical.