Tomorrow, Saturday, April 27, is National Drug Take Back Day, and now all Boston residents can dispose of unused or expired medication safely, easily, confidentially, and for free in a MedReturn Drug Collection Kiosk at eleven District police stations around the city. The kiosks are open to all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There will be no questions asked.
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has partnered with the Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to provide this safe, effective, and sustainable way to dispose of prescription substances. Unused or expired medication can pose a risk to children, family members, and the environment. It can also be misused or abused, leading to serious complications, overdose, even death. The 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives.
“Disposing of prescription drugs responsibly helps protect the environment, as well as reduces the risks that these drugs may be misused or abused,” said Rita Nieves, director of Addictions Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Support Services at BPHC. “We encourage everyone to go through their medicine cabinet this weekend and drop off any unused or expired medication at one of the eleven kiosks around Boston.”
The MedReturn Drug Collection Kiosks were purchased by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services.
To learn more about safe disposal, and for an interactive map of kiosk locations, visit bphc.org/DrugTakeBack.
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