On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., local authorities will take part in National Drug Take Back Day, collecting expired and unused medication for safe disposal.
Medications can be dropped off at East Hampton Town Hall, 159 Pantigo Road; the Hampton Bays Community Center, 25 Ponquogue Avenue, and the Southampton Police Department substation at Bridgehampton Commons, 2044 Montauk Highway.
Unused medications, excluding liquid medications, syringes, sharps, and thermometers, will be accepted. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency stresses that the day is an opportunity to safely dispose of medication, lest it end up in the wrong hands. Nearly 10 million Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs, according to the agency, mostly obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Disposing of these medications can also preserve the environment. Unused medication is sometimes flushed away, ultimately polluting the aquifer.
Dropping off medication is free and confidential. More information can be found online at takebackday.dea.gov or by calling 631-702-2254.