Drug Disposal Day

Molokai Drugs News Release

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Molokai at Molokai Drugs on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events or who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

“This is a nation-wide effort to dispose of medications correctly so it protects our oceans and water systems and keeps drugs from getting into the hands of people it doesn’t belong to,” said Molokai Drugs Pharmacist Kelly Go. “It gives Molokai residents the opportunity to hand over their unused or expired medications correctly.”

Americans that participated in the DEA’s third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 29, 2011, turned in more than 377,086 pounds (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications tor safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Disposing of unwanted medicine in a safe way is essential to protecting children, preventing pollution, and protecting our aina.

Do not flush or store unwanted, unused or expired medications. Protect our water – medications sent down toilets or sink drains can get into our ocean, adversely affecting fish and aquatic wildlife.

Prevent accidental poisonings by cleaning out medicine cabinets to reduce the risk of accidental misuse and exposure to children. Abuse of narcotic pain relievers is rapidly increasing and half of prescription drug abusers report obtaining the drug from a friend or relative.

Safely dispose of expired and unwanted medications by dropping them off at Molokai Drugs. Simply show them to a pharmacist and they will direct you to a collection bin.
Accepted items include household prescriptions and samples, over the counter medications, expired medications, medicine for pets, medicated ointments/lotions, vitamins, inhalers and syringes.