Kinney Drugs hosts Drug Take Back Day on Saturday

April 28, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

This Saturday, Vermonters will be able to dispose of unwanted, unused and expired medications at dozens of locations around the state including Kinney Drugs in Waterbury. 

Kinney and other pharmacies are partnering with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, the Vermont Department of Health and local law enforcement agencies for the Drug Take Back Day on April 30. 

The free event offers residents a chance to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pharmacies will accept leftover and/or expired controlled and non-controlled medications for both humans and pets. They also will accept vaping devices with the batteries removed, and cartridges. 

Disposing of medications through the collection sites will ensure that they are not misused or taken accidentally. Safe disposal also avoids endangering waterways and wildlife, which can happen if medications are flushed or thrown in the trash.

In announcing the event, Gov. Phil Scot noted that the take-back events are part of the state’s prevention strategy for drug abuse. “Focusing on prevention is critical as we confront the opioid epidemic, and this is a valuable tool in that work,” he said. 

Following the Saturday event, collected medications will be transported out of state by the DEA and incinerated. Each year, between 2 and 3 tons of unneeded medications are turned in for disposal at Vermont sites, according to state officials.

The complete list of sites for medication disposal around Vermont on April 30  is online at dea.gov/takebackday.

In addition to the Saturday event, Kinney offers new self-service medication collection kiosks available daily during normal pharmacy business hours at both the Waterbury and Barre locations. The kiosks are not for disposal of sharps/needles (including EpiPens), medical/biohazardous waste, regular or hazardous household trash, or personal care products. More information is online at at kinneydrugs.com.

In addition, the Vermont Department of Health provides envelopes year-round for people to dispose of medications. They are available at pharmacies, police stations, and online for free.

The state Health Department notes that nearly half of the people who misuse pain prescriptions obtained them from a relative or friend. Vermonters are encouraged to take steps to ensure medication is used as intended, and safely disposed of when no longer needed including keeping medications in a locked cabinet and either dropping off or mailing unused medications for proper disposal. 

More information is online at healthvermont.gov/doyourpart.