ARLINGTON — Chief Julie Flaherty is pleased to announce that the Arlington Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day next week.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Arlington Police Station Lobby, 112 Mystic Street.
WHAT:
National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.
“We’re happy to be able to offer a convenient, local opportunity for residents to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications,” said Chief Flaherty. “The opioid epidemic remains a serious concern and removing unneeded medications from our community is an important step as we work to prevent substance use and help those struggling with this issue.”
The Arlington Police also have a permanent take back box in the police station lobby for those who wish to dispose of prescriptions, but are unable to attend Take Back Day.
Residents should note that illegal drugs including schedule one substances, needles/sharps, and non-pharmaceutical items to include batteries, thermometers, and hydrogen peroxide may not be dropped off at the kiosk.
The community is also reminded that masks and social distancing will be required at both the Arlington Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day event and any time residents visit the drug disposal kiosk during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about this month’s Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit
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