Community Corner

Foxborough Participating In National Drug Take Back Day

Foxborough will join cities and towns throughout Massachusetts in accepting expired or unwanted prescription drugs at the police station.

In October 2020, Americans turned in nearly 493 tons (more than 985,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 4,600 sites operated by the DEA, and more than 4,100 of its state and local law enforcement partners.
In October 2020, Americans turned in nearly 493 tons (more than 985,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 4,600 sites operated by the DEA, and more than 4,100 of its state and local law enforcement partners. (Shutterstock)

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Foxborough Police Department will join cities and towns throughout Massachusetts participating in National Drug Take Back Day.

The police department will accept expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 24, at the public safety building at 8 Chestnut St.

Drop-offs are anonymous, and no paperwork is necessary. Personal information should be blacked out on the label, but medication name and dosage information must remain visible. Prescription, non-prescription and veterinary pills will be accepted. Sharps will also be accepted as long as they are stored properly.

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

All collected drugs will be handed off to the DEA for destruction.

In October 2020, Americans turned in nearly 493 tons (more than 985,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 4,600 sites operated by the DEA, and more than 4,100 of its state and local law enforcement partners.

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Unused medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse or falling into the hands of children. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the country are alarmingly high, as are the rates of accidental poisonings and overdoses. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else's medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 24 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.


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