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SOUTH WINDSOR- State Rep. Tom Delnicki along with the Co-President of the Governor’s Prevention Partnership, Kelly Juleson-Scopino, the South Windsor Mayor Audrey Delnicki, the South Windsor Police Department, members of the SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and a representative of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) held a press conference reminding the public to take part in Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26 at the South Windsor Police Department from 10:00am-2:00pm, to properly dispose of unused or expired medications.

Items that are accepted in drug drop boxes:

  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Prescription medications
  • Medication samples
  • Medication for household pets
  • Medicated lotions and ointments

Items that are not accepted in drop boxes:

  • Needles or other “sharps”
  • Hazardous waste
  • Thermometers
  • Personal care products (shampoo, deodorant, etc.)

Used needles should be placed in a hard-plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle, clearly labeled with “Sharps Waste” and “Do Not Recycle.” In Connecticut, when the container is three-quarters full and the lid is sealed with tape, it can be placed in the curbside trash.

Loose needles should never be recycled, placed in the trash or flushed down the toilet. You may call your physician, local hospital or pharmacy to check if they accept properly contained needles for safe disposal.

When storing medications at home, be sure to keep them in their original container, do not combine pills or capsules, follow temperature instructions, and avoid hot and humid areas, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet.

If you are unable to visit on Saturday or visit a dropbox, you can safely discard unwanted medications at home. Combine uncrushed capsules in soapy water or coffee grounds, place them in a sealed plastic bag, and throw it out in the household trash. Never flush unused medications down the toilet as it can have harmful effects on the environment.

If you cannot attend Prescription Drug Take Back Day, you may the year round dropbox in the lobby of the South Windsor Police Department.

For additional resources on Drug Take Back Day, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Visit DCP’s website for additional information, and watch our video about how to dispose of unneeded or unwanted medication.