Attorney General Schneider Joins State Workers in Prescription Drug Take-Back Drive

September 28, 2012

AUGUSTA – Attorney General William J. Schneider joined state workers, retirees and local citizens today in collecting prescription drugs as part of this week’s National Prescription Drug Take Back effort. Attorney General Schneider asked state employees to “Lead the Way” in safely disposing of unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Collection sites, attended by Capitol Police, Maine Drug Enforcement Administration officers and local law enforcement, were available at the Eastside Wellness Center, the east entrance to the Cross Office Building, and at DHHS offices in Bangor and Portland.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will hold the fifth nationwide Take Back Day this Saturday, September 29th from 10:00 to 2:00. At least 167 collection sites will be set up throughout the state and will be manned by local law enforcement agencies in partnership with public and private community leaders.

“The take-back effort is a way that each of us can help reduce the risk of drug diversion and protect the environment in Maine,” said Attorney General Schneider. “I want to thank everyone who takes a few minutes to clean out their medicine cabinet and drop those drugs off at a local collection site. It’s easy – no identification is necessary and no questions will be asked – and it makes a difference.”

Maine ranked first in the nation for the amount of drugs collected per capita in the last four take-backs. Mainers participating in the April 2012 take-back turned in over 19,900 pounds of prescription drugs, ensuring that those unwanted medications would be removed from circulation and disposed of properly.

To find a collection site near you, call your local police department or go to www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

Many law enforcement agencies continuously collect unused medication at their offices. Find the one near you on Google Maps.