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Dispose Expired, Unwanted Medications During National Drug-Take Program

DETROIT (WWJ) - Law enforcement agencies in Metro Detroit are collecting drugs Saturday. It's a national drug take program, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

People are encouraged to drop off their unused, expired, or unwanted medications -- including controlled substances.

This public safety event is in response to the millions of people who abuse prescription drugs, who often get their fix from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

This event is free and open to the public. Below is the complete list of drop off locations:

  • Southfield Police Department - 26000 Evergreen Rd., 10 am - 2 pm
  • Ann Arbor Police Department - 301 E. Huron St., 10 am - 2 pm
  • Ypsilanti Michigan State Police Post - 1501 S. Huron, 10 am - 2 pm
  • Northfield Township PD - 8350 Main St., Whitmore Lake, 10 am - 2 pm
  • Pittsfield Township PD - 6227 Michigan Ave., Ann Arbor, 3 pm - 5 pm
  • Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department - 2201 Hogback Rd., Ann Arbor, 10 am - 2 pm

According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more Americans abuse prescription drugs than those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined.

Although many local pharmacies accept unused pharmaceuticals and dispose of them in a safe, environmentally sound manner, the pharmacies are not legally able to collect controlled or scheduled drugs.

At Saturday's event, residents may drop off their unused, expired, or unwanted medications. Unlike the County's take-back program, controlled substances will be accepted at this special collection event. No liquids or aerosols will be accepted.

For information about this event and other disposal options for unused medicines, visit dontflushdrugs.com or contact Jeff Krcmarik at 734-222-6865.

For information about DEA and the national collection program, click here.

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