The public is invited to bring unwanted medications to a free, anonymous drug take-back event at two sites in Beaver Dams and Burdett from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.
The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs and county Public Health Department announced the two fire department sites in an Oct. 7 release for National Drug Take Back Day. Both will accept expired or unused medications, ointments and sprays, but not needles.
The events will also accept tobacco products from people trying to quit smoking, except for e-cigarettes. The medication disposal service is free and anonymous.
The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office is a partner in the collection. The office said unwanted medicine left at home can be misused or accidentally swallowed by a child. According to the release, last year's collection disposed of more than 300 pounds of unwanted or expired medication. Public Health Director Jill Kasprzyk said the department was partnering with the sheriff's office again to provide the service.
Year-round drop boxes are also available
People who cannot attend Oct. 24 can use local medication drop boxes throughout the year. The sheriff's office in Watkins Glen and Schuyler Hospital, through its emergency room entrance, have boxes available around the clock, according to the release.
The Human Services Complex in Montour Falls is open for drop-offs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Watkins Glen Village Police Department accepts drop-offs Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
CVS Pharmacy is another year-round location. Its listed hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with a daily lunch closure from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
The year-round boxes do not accept sharps, liquids or illicit drugs, including Schedule I controlled substances. Those restrictions are separate from the Oct. 24 event list, which specifically excludes needles.
For information about the collection events, residents can call the sheriff's office at 607-535-8222 or Schuyler County Public Health at 607-535-8140.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
