On Sat., Apr. 27, New College participated in the third annual Prescription Drug Take Back day. Students, faculty, staff and citizens of Sarasota and Manatee counties were invited to bring their old or expired prescriptions to the Cop Shop for safe disposal.
The Drug Take Back initiative was begun by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to address a rising concern over the abuse of prescription drugs. The 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s survey on drug use and health showed that over seven million Americans abuse prescription drugs in some way. The program works in tandem with law enforcement to encourage people to dispose of their old prescriptions safely — presumably so they cannot be used by others. Although New College participates in a day-long drug take back, Sarasota County has implemented programs so that drugs may be disposed of at any point in time. Both versions of the take back are completely anonymous and uphold a “no questions asked” policy.
For those who were unable to make it to the take back over the weekend and are unable to drive to a drop-off site, the Sarasota County website lists some tips to properly and safely dispose of old medications. This list includes taking the medication out of its original container, verifying that there is not any personal information on the container — including prescription number, name and address—mixing old medications with other garbage and putting them in a disposable container. The Sarasota County website also includes a list of approved disposable medications and of drop-off sites.
To find more information about prescription disposal, visit www.scgov.net/drugfreesarasota/prescriptiondrugtakeback.asp
Okay to bring to drop boxes:
- Controlled substances/narcotics such as Vicodin and Oxycodone
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins
- Inhalers
- Epipens (unopened)
Not okay to bring to drop boxes:
- Needles/syringes
- Thermometers
- IV bags
- Bloody/infectious waste
- Shampoo, soap, lotion, etc.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Aerosol cans
- Iodine solutions
- Business waste
- Epipens (open/used)