Take-Back Initiative Will Accept Unwanted Drugs

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency will coordinate a National Take-Back Initiative from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Hawaii and across the country in an effort to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from homes.

In Windward Oahu, residents can turn in their unused or expired medications for safe, anonymous disposal at Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center (middle of center) or at Kaneohe Marine base (in front of Exchange). The one-day effort is designed to bring attention to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical-controlled substance abuse.

“These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety from accidental poisonings and groundwater contamination,” stated the DEA.

Prescription tablets and capsules are accepted, but intravenous solutions, injectables, needles and illegal drugs are not.

For updates and locations of other Oahu drop-off sites, call 541-1930.