News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina is set to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26. Residents can drop off unwanted medications at various locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., promoting safety and responsible disposal. With previous events resulting in significant collections, this initiative aims to help prevent drug abuse and protect the environment. Join the community effort to ensure a healthier, safer Columbia!
Columbia, S.C. Prepares for National Drug Take Back Day
Mark your calendars, folks! Columbia, South Carolina is gearing up for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents will have the perfect opportunity to clear out their medicine cabinets and dispose of unwanted or unused medications safely and responsibly. No more digging through that collection of expired medicines that have been gathering dust!
Where to Drop Off Medications
Got some old prescriptions lying around? You can drop them off at several convenient locations throughout the city. Participating sites include numerous law enforcement agencies, hospitals, as well as select CVS and Walgreens locations. This initiative encourages everyone to get involved in a safe and easy manner.
A Local Success Story
To give you an idea of just how effective these take-back days can be, let’s take a look at Boone County’s recent biannual event. There, the sheriff’s department collected nearly 500 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs, translating to about 175,000 pills in one fell swoop! Citizens stepped up, returning their unused medications at eight collection points, including facilities at the MU Student Center and local high schools. Since starting this program back in 2010, Boone County has accumulated over 1,921 pounds (or approximately 682,000 pills) of unwanted medications.
Why Participate?
This initiative is not just about cleaning out your home; it’s also about taking a proactive stance on public health and safety. By safely disposing of unused medications, you are helping to prevent prescription drug abuse, especially among teenagers who might be tempted to experiment with what’s at home. Did you know that the Columbia Police Department recorded a staggering total of 114 drug- and narcotics-related arrests last year? Taking part in this event can help reduce numbers like that, contributing to a healthier community altogether!
How to Dispose Responsibly
So, what kind of medications can you return? The accepted forms include solid medications like tablets, capsules, and patches. However, it’s important to note that syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs cannot be accepted during this event. Following the collection, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) typically incinerates the collected drugs for safe disposal, ensuring that everything is handled in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Thinking Green
In addition to promoting public safety, this program is all about encouraging environmentally sustainable practices for disposing of medications. Flushing unwanted drugs down the toilet is not a good option, as it can lead to contamination of water sources.
Past Collection Numbers
A remarkable fact to consider is that at a previous event in April 2012, over 504 pounds of medications were collected. That was a record that impressed and motivated the local community, showcasing the need for periodic take-back initiatives.
Join the Movement!
This upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a golden opportunity for Columbia residents to take a stand against drug abuse and environmental hazards. So, why wait? Gather those unwanted prescriptions and head over to a drop-off site on April 26. Together, let’s keep our community safe, healthy, and sparkling clean!
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Drug Take-Back Program
- The Maneater
- Google Search: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- KOMU News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prescription Drug
- HNG News
- Google News: Drug Take-Back Program
- ABC 17 News
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
