Cedar Falls Public Safety will be hosting a site for the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Citizens can dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs at the Public Safety building, located at 4600 South Main Street in Cedar Falls. The receptacle is placed just inside the front doors of the facility.
The community can contact Public Safety at (319) 273-8612 during that time to have an officer visit their home to pick up the prescription drugs as well. If citizens wish to remain in their cars on-site, they can also call Public Safety and an officer will be out to pick up the items.
All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted including tablets, capsules, and patches. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. If disposing of medication in an original container, individuals are encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label. Intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the device. If the battery cannot be removed, consumers can check with large electronic chain stores on who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal.
"The Drug Take Back Day is a responsible and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs and keep families and the community safe," said Cedar Falls Captain Jeff Sitzmann. "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse including by children or teens."
"We do want to remind citizens that the prescription drug return receptacle is always available at the front entrance of the Public Safety building, accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. However, the purpose of Take Back Day is to grow awareness and increase its use by the public."
The DEA originally launched Take Back Day in 2010 and the campaign has brought in 7,995 tons of prescription drugs nationally since its inception. Learn more at www.deatakeback.com.