Local law enforcement help advocates promote responsible drug disposal
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (April 19, 2025) – 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 local law enforcement to host a Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. next Saturday, April 26 at the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Office at 970 Memorial Drive.
Take-Back Day provides a free, safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. Take Back Day has removed 9,285 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.
“We are glad that we can provide a safe space for citizens to dispose of their unwanted and outdated prescriptions,” said a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Office.
Unwanted prescriptions can also be dropped at the St. Johnsbury Police Department on 1187 Main Street in St. Johnsbury, VT. “Prescription drug misuse is a serious public health and safety issue, and it often begins right at home,” says St. Johnsbury Police Chief Joel M. Pierce. “By taking a few simple steps—like cleaning out your medicine cabinet and turning in medications—you are helping to prevent addiction, reduce the risk of overdose, and keep our neighborhoods safer.”
Individuals may anonymously and safely drop off any unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as pet medication, at the above mentioned locations. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps and illicit drugs.
According to the Vermont Department of Health, properly storing and disposing of medications can prevent potential misuse or accidental ingestion by loved ones, friends, or pets. For example, nearly half of the people who misused pain prescriptions obtained them from a relative or friend. Safe disposal of medications can also prevent dangers to our waterways and wildlife.
Unable to participate in this Take-Back Day? 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
- Johnsbury Police Department – 24/7
- Vermont State Police – Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Individuals may also use free pre-paid drug mail-back envelopes, available through the Vermont Department of Health or at NVRH’s Community Connections office at 55 Sherman Drive, to responsibly dispose of medications. While NVRH’s permanent drug take-back box is currently unavailable due to construction on the Emergency Department entrance, there is a drop box for sharps located outside the main hospital entrance.
Cosmetics, vitamins/supplements, thermometers, aerosol cans, inhalers, and needles are not accepted at the prescription take-back box locations.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 26 Take-Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or contact NVRH Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator Cheryl Chandler at c.chandler@nvrh.org or 802-748-7555.