Salem and Keizer’s law enforcement agencies are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the twice-a-year Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations in the Salem-Keizer area.
Public information officer Lieutenant Treven Upkes shared, “We’re pleased to be working with the Keizer Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to have convenient locations available for residents to get rid of expired, unused or unwanted prescription meds.”
The Salem locations include:
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Roth’s Fresh Market, 702 Lancaster DR NE, in the parking lot
- Salem Police Department, Peace Plaza, 500 block of Commercial ST SE, at the bus turnout
Residents in Keizer will find officers from the Keizer Police Department set up at Schoolhouse Square, 5013 River RD N.
“These events give residents a chance to clean out their cabinets and drawers of meds which may be expired or are no longer used,” explained Upkes. “Better to let us collect and destroy these items properly than have the drugs end up contaminating the soil or surface or ground water due to improper disposal. We also don’t want them landing in the wrong hands.” By securely storing and disposing of no longer needed prescriptions, accidental poisonings can be prevented and drug abuse deterred.
Officers will accept unused or unwanted prescription drugs (including veterinary meds), over-the-counter medicine, and any unknown tablets and capsules. All medications should be remain in their original containers, if possible.
Items which will not be accepted at collection sites include:
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Additionally, medications from pharmacies, assisted living facilities, and medical clinics or facilities cannot be accepted.
For a list of year-round prescription disposal boxes provided by local law enforcement agencies, visit the Marion County Health Department website at http://bit.ly/MCHDResources. The Marion County Health Department, a public safety partner, has ample information on drug and substance abuse prevention and available resources for adults, teens, and families.
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