They could be expired, inactive, or potentially dangerous.
Saturday, September 26th, 2015 is National Drug Take Back Day. In the Quad Cities Area, C.A.U.S.E. (Coalition Advocating for Underage Substance Elimination) collaborated with the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office, Milan Police Department, Silvis Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to host drive-thru drop-off sites for residents to quickly and easily get rid of their prescription drugs.
"This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue," said a press release. "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."
At the past nine National Drug Take Back Days, more than 4.8 million pounds of unwanted, unneeded, or expired medications have been collected nationwide. Organizers say they are then burned, because flushing pills down a toilet can contaminate the water supply and throwing them in the trash isn't a good idea.
"If you throw it in the garbage and it breaks open and pills spill out, kids, animals, or dogs could take them," said Grace Shirk, Supervisor at Saturday's Rock Island Justice Center location.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about National Drug Take Back Day, click here.