MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle is pleased to announce that the Melrose Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day this weekend.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

WHERE:

Melrose Police Station Lobby, 56 W. Foster St.

WHAT:

National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.

“It is dangerous to store old prescription medication in the house because it can potentially fall into the hands of a loved one struggling with substance use,” said Chief Lyle. “This biannual initiative helps to make sure that this doesn’t happen and that all unwanted drugs are properly thrown away.”

The Melrose Police also have a permanent take back box in the police station lobby for those who wish to dispose of prescriptions, but are unable to attend Take Back Day.

Residents should note that no liquids, needles, sharps or inhalers can be dropped off at the kiosk.

The community is also reminded that masks and social distancing will be required at both the Melrose Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day event and any time residents visit the drug disposal kiosk during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about this month’s Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

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