STATEN ISLAND, NY (Oct. 18, 2016) – On Saturday, October 22 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will celebrate National Drug Take Back Day to remind the public to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Throughout the year, Staten Islanders have the opportunity to dispose of used and old drugs at NYPD precincts across the borough. Tackling Youth Substance Abuse (TYSA), an initiative of the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness (SIPCW), encourages families to use this day to check medicine cabinets to prevent accidental poisoning, overdose or addiction.

Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200 tons—of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

On Staten Island, you can dispose of your unused or old medications all year long at NYPD precincts across the borough. Bring your pills for disposal to:

120 Precinct – 78 Richmond Terrace (St. George)
121 Precinct – 970 Richmond Avenue (Granitevlle)
122 Precinct – 1210 Hylan Boulevard (New Dorp)
123 Precinct – 116 Main Street (Tottenville)

The Take Back sites cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 22 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.