Ditch old prescription meds in Richmond Heights through national program

People can dispose of unwanted prescription medications on April 27 at two locations in Richmond Heights as part of the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., people can drop off prescription drugs at THE HEIGHTS, 8001 Dale Ave., and at the front lobby of the Richmond Heights Public Safety Building, 7447 Dale Ave.

Drug Enforcement Administration officials will collect the drugs and destroy them.

This marks the first time the City of Richmond Heights and the Richmond Heights Police Department are partnering with the DEA to collect unwanted prescription drugs.

It's important to dispose of old and expired medications to prevent them from being abused, Richmond Heights Police Chief Roy Wright said.

“After time, some prescriptions lose some of their effectiveness and need to be destroyed," Wright said. "The Drug Take-Back Program gives all of us the opportunity to remove these prescriptions from our homes without flushing them and putting these potentially dangerous prescriptive drugs in our sewer system."

More than 2 million pounds of prescription drugs have been collected from across the country during five previous Drug Take-Back days, according to the DEA.

For more information about the National Take-Back Initiative, visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/