Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Oct. 22
To help protect the water supply and reduce household risks, bring unwanted medications to Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 22 in Georgetown. Drugs that are expired or no longer needed will be collected—no questions asked—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sun City Legacy Hills Park Pavilion, 200 Del Webb Boulevard and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, 508 S. Rock Street.
Collecting unwanted medications keeps them from being poured down a drain, flushed down a toilet, or put in the household trash. Pharmaceuticals put in our wastewater system can affect water quality in our creeks, rivers, and lakes. Drugs that end up in the landfill can seep into groundwater.
Removing unwanted medications from your home also reduces risks of accidental overdose by children or visitors in your home.
The Take-Back Day is part of a nation-wide effort of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to reduce the risk of unwanted medications in our homes. Local partners in the Drug Take-Back Day include the Georgetown Police Department, LifeSteps Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Williamson County EMS, and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Medications that are dropped off should be in their original containers, if possible. Drugs brought to the drop-off may include expired or unwanted prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, drugs prescribed for pets, medicines from deceased family members, or unknown tablets and capsules. Items not accepted include sharps (needles and syringes), mercury thermometers, IV bags, personal care products, and medical equipment.
The collection is for individual households. Medications cannot be accepted from businesses such as nursing homes, doctor’s offices, or other institutions or businesses.
An alternate safe way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications is now available in Georgetown on a permanent basis. A secure medications drop box is located in the lobby of the Public Safety Operations and Training Center at 3500 DB Wood Road. Lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information about the Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, call LifeSteps at (512) 246-9880 or visit the DEA website at www.dea.gov.
