A growing volume of unused medications across Ontario County is prompting another push for safe disposal, with local officials and community partners planning a take-back event later this month.
Ontario Cares will host a free Medication Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wegmans in Geneva, offering residents a safe and judgment-free way to dispose of unwanted prescriptions and sharps.
Organizers say more than 1,100 pounds of unused medications and sharps were collected during similar events last year, underscoring the continued need for accessible disposal options across the county.
The event is being held in partnership with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, Ontario County Public Health, and the Geneva Police Department. In addition to medication disposal, Narcan training will also be available as part of the effort to improve community safety and awareness.
Officials warn that unused prescription drugs can pose serious risks if left in homes, where they may be misused or accidentally ingested. Improper disposal — such as flushing medications or throwing them in the trash — can also lead to environmental contamination, affecting water supplies and landfills.
Residents can bring expired, unused, or unwanted medications, including liquids, as well as sharps placed in puncture-proof containers.
Ontario Cares, also known as the Partnership for Ontario County, has operated since 1998 and focuses on community wellness initiatives, including substance misuse prevention, mental health support, and youth programming.
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