Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday in St. Johnsbury

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (April 18, 2023) – In an effort to reduce prescription drug misuse and related overdose deaths, community partners will team up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Caledonia Sheriff’s Department and the St. Johnsbury Police Department, to host a Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 22 at the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department, 970 Memorial Dr., St. Johnsbury and the St. Johnsbury Police Department, 1187 Main St., St Johnsbury.

Take-Back Day provides a free, safe and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs. Individuals may anonymously and safely drop off any unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as pet medication, at the abovementioned locations.

While sites can accept pills and patches, they cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. Should the public wish to dispose of needles or sharps, they may do so by depositing them in the new sharps disposal box located at the main entrance of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH).

According to the Vermont Department of Health, storing and disposing of medications can prevent misuse and accidental ingestion by loved ones, friends or pets. Safe disposal of medications can prevent dangers to the waterways and wildlife as well.

“The DEA’s Drug Take-Back Day serves as an opportunity for our community to really come together over proper disposal of unused or expired medications,” NVRH Director of Substance Misuse Prevention Cheryl Chandler said. “Although you can properly dispose of your meds year-round, picking that one day to do it makes it easier to add to your to-do list. So please join us in making our community a safer place for everyone.”

In addition to this event, there are permanent drug take-back boxes available year-round for people to dispose of unused prescription drugs at the following locations:

Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department – Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Essex County Sheriff’s Department – Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hardwick Police Department – Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lyndonville Police Department – Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; by appointment
NVRH Emergency Room – 24/7
St. Johnsbury Police Department – 24/7

Individuals may also use free pre-paid drug mail-back envelopes, available through the Vermont Department of Health to responsibly dispose of medications. Illegal drugs, cosmetics, vitamins/supplements, thermometers, aerosol cans, inhalers, needles and lotions/liquids are not accepted at the prescription take-back box locations.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 22 Take-Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or contact Cheryl Chandler, NVRH Director of Substance Misuse Prevention, at c.chandler@nvrh.org or 802-748-7555.