Do Your Part

Do Your Part. Save the date for National Prescription Drug Take-back Day this April 27th!
Saturday, April 27th, 10am – 2pm

Go to https://takebackday.dea.gov/  to see a list of all disposal locations available in Vermont. Many drop off sites are open YEAR ROUND. Disposal is free and anonymous.

Why should you properly dispose of or lock up unused or expired medications?

Prescription drugs are often strong medications, which is why they require a prescription in the first place. When abused, they can be just as dangerous as drugs that are made illegally. Every medication has some risk for harmful effects, sometimes serious ones. Doctors consider the potential benefits and risks to each patient before prescribing medications and take into account a lot of different factors – such as personal information, form and use of the drug and the side effects. Proper disposal of medication is important in protecting our children, community and the environment from prescription drug misuse.

In 2017, 10% of Vermont teens reported taking a pain reliever or stimulant not prescribed to them. So, what can you do to help?
Get rid of expired medications
Securely store or lock up all medications
Monitor medication use in your home and never share your medications
Talk to your kids about the dangers of prescription drugs
The Vermont Department of Health now offers free medication mail-back envelopes!  Click here and scroll down to and click on "Free Prescription Medication Mail-Back Envelopes" to fill out the quick online form to get a mail-back envelope sent right to your home!

For more information about locations in the county for ongoing medication disposal click here and scroll down for an interactive map of VT disposal sites. You can also dial 2-1-1 for locations.

Resources for more information:
VT Dept of Health Prescription Drug Disposal  healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/services/prescription-drug-disposal
Medicine Abuse Project  drugfree.org/medicine-abuse-project
Chittenden Prevention Network   chittendenpreventionnetwork.com
ParentUP Vermont      Parentupvt.org
DEA    https://takebackday.dea.gov/