National Prescription Drug Take-Back

Boston— Representative Carolyn Dykema is pleased to announce that on Saturday September 25th from 10 am until 2pm the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hosting its first ever national prescription drug take-back to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s medicine cabinets. The collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts has established more than 100 collection locations across the Commonwealth including the Holliston, Hopkinton and Westborough Police Stations within the 8th Middlesex District.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Abuse of prescription drugs is on the rise and studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. This take back is an opportunity to take medicines out of Massachusetts’ medicine cabinets and off the streets. Many Americans, recognizing the potential for abuse discard their unused medicines, but flushing down the toilet or throwing out the trash are potential environmental hazards.

"This program addresses a vital need in keeping dangerous medicines out of the hands of kids and minimizing toxics getting into our water supply.” Dykema said. “Unused prescriptions flushed down the toilet could end up back in our drinking water, and this program gives consumers a convenient and safe alternative."

The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. To find the collection site nearest your community visit www.dea.gov.

Hopkinton residents can drop off unused prescription drugs at the Hopkinton Police Station.