Gahanna residents can drop off unused or expired prescription pills at the Kroger parking lot at 300 S. Hamilton Road on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The collection is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a twice-a-year effort that gives people a free, anonymous way to dispose of medications they no longer need. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is listed as the presenter for the Gahanna site, according to the city of Gahanna's event calendar.
The DEA, SWACO and local law enforcement agencies will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription drugs, according to 10TV. Vaping devices and cartridges are also accepted as long as lithium batteries are removed. Liquid medications must be sealed in their original containers.
Here is what the Gahanna site will and will not accept:
Accepted:
- Prescription pills and capsules
- Patches
- Vaping devices and cartridges (lithium batteries must be removed)
- Liquid medications in sealed original containers
Not accepted:
- Syringes and sharps
- Illicit drugs
Acceptance of liquids, gels and patches may vary by location, 10TV reported.
The program aims to keep unused pills away from children and pets and to prevent medications from entering waterways. Since 2010, the national event has collected about 21 million pounds of unused medications, according to the DEA.
The Gahanna Kroger site is one of several collection points across central Ohio. Residents looking for additional drop-off locations can search by ZIP code at dea.gov/takebackday.
Upcoming community dates:
- Saturday, Oct. 24 — National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Kroger parking lot, 300 S. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
