COLORADO SPRINGS — In this year's Drug Take-Back Day' the Colorado Springs Police Department reports more than 1,400 pounds of medications were collected in partnership with local organizations.
The citywide effort is part of a nationwide effort from the Drug Enforcement Administration to provide convenient locations for the public to drop off unneeded substances or other medications from our nation’s medicine cabinets.
Anyone is able to drop off medications, no-questions-asked and completely anonymous.
The goal of the program is to prevent prescription pill abuse and addiction by providing a safe way for people to get rid of excess, unused, or expired prescription drugs.
Here's a breakdown of where the 1,432 pounds of medications were collected in Colorado Springs:
- Colorado Springs Police Operations Center - 441 lbs
- UCHealth Memorial North - 512 lbs
- King Soopers (Constitution Ave) - 325 lbs
- Security Fire Department - 150 lbs
Lt. James Sokolik of the Colorado Springs Police Department notes people wait for these collection dates on the regular basis to help keep our communities safe.
But did you know there is a state program to collect year-round?
See the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) website for the Colorado Household Medication Take-Back Program for a location near you. Note that you should contact the location beforehand to make sure they are still participating. Here are the direct links to a map of take-back locations (ArcGIS mapping) and a list of take-back locations (Google Sheets).
Further Guidance from CDPHE:
What if I can't access a collection site?
If you can’t access a permanent collection site, visit takemedsback.org to see if a collection event might be scheduled in your area. Mail-back envelopes or drug deactivation/disposal pouches can be purchased at some pharmacies. Ask your pharmacist for additional information. If none of these options are available, do not flush medications. Flushing can pollute water supplies. Follow the steps below for proper trash disposal.
- Remove medications from their original containers and place in a zip-top bag or a sealable container with a secure lid (make sure you remove pill labels or cross out any identifying information and recycle or dispose the bottles separately).
- Do not crush or attempt to dissolve pills and capsules.
- Mix with something that can’t be eaten, like kitty litter or coffee grounds.
- Wrap the bag or container in newspaper or a plain brown bag to conceal its contents.
- Place it in your trash on the day it gets picked up or taken to a landfill.
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