ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Saturday marks National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, a biannual campaign organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to keep people safe from unused medication.
In the Rochester area, police departments and Wegmans stores are giving people a chance to get rid of old medication. The DEA says the campaign helps to combat substance abuse and prevent medications from ending up in landfills, leading to environmental harm. Here’s where you can dispose of medication for free on Saturday:
Wegmans stores
People can drop off prescription drugs at nine different Wegmans stores in the Rochester area. All of the takeback events run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Accepted items include pills, liquid medication, over-the-counter medication, sprays, inhalers, and creams. No appointment is required. Here are the locations taking part:
- Lyell Avenue Wegmans
- Mt. Read Boulevard Wegmans
- Eastway Wegmans
- Calkins Road Wegmans
- Perinton Wegmans
- Penfield Wegmans
- Holt Road Wegmans
- Brockport Wegmans
Local police departments
Multiple local police departments are also organizing drug takeback events. The Irondequoit Police Department station on Titus Avenue is accepting medication, along with vaping and e-cigarette products, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Brighton Police Department is also collecting medication at Empire State College on Westfall Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Liquid products must be securely sealed in their original container, and syringes, sharps, or street drugs won’t be collected.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office’s drug takeback event is happening at the Victor Village Town Hall Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be Narcan training available at the event. If you’re turning in sharps, put them in a puncture-proof container.
Other drop-off locations
There are over a dozen locations in the Rochester area that regularly accept unwanted medication. You can see an interactive map here. You can also call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK or (844) 482-5322 for more information.
The Monroe County Ecopark also accepts pharmaceutical waste for county residents. It’s free during normal business hours. You can learn more here.
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