National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Saturday

Don't flush those old prescription pills down the toilet and don't throw them away either—turn them in safely and securely during a "take back" event Saturday in Sarasota County.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Sarasota Police Department will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day national event to “take back” and properly dispose of prescription medication from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Sarasota Police Department will also have bins placed in the department of its lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at its headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane. 

The Sheriff’s Office has permanent drop boxes in the lobby of the Criminal Justice Center, 2071 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, which is open 24-hours a day, and the south county office, 4531 State Road 776, Venice, where the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While the boxes are available to the public year-round, the Sheriff’s Office participates in state and national take back initiatives to publicize the permanent options for proper disposal that are available in Sarasota County for unused or expired medication.

Medication turn-in is always anonymous. Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medications such as tablets and capsules are accepted.

Proper disposal is important to protect the environment, and it also reduces the chance that prescription medications might get into the wrong hands or make homes a target of criminals searching for pills.

In addition to Saturday’s event, a prescription turn-in drive-thru will be available at National Night Out, on Tuesday from 4 to 6:30 p.m., at Laurel Park on Collins Road in Laurel.