Shed Your Meds Collected 110lbs of Medication

Scarsdale residents braved the light rain on April 26th and participated in a local Prescription Drug Take Back Day, turning in more than 110 pounds of unused, unwanted, and expired medication at the drive-thru drop-off site coordinated by SAY (Scarsdale Action for Youth) and the Scarsdale Police Department.

Take Back events like these provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, while educating about the potential for medication misuse, accidental ingestion, and overdose.  All collected medications were securely transported and incinerated under the supervision of the Scarsdale Police Department.   

Data shows that teens who misuse prescription medication often obtain the drugs through family and friends with unused prescriptions.  Medications that are not properly stored can pose a risk to the health of children, pets, and the elderly.  Flushing medications, or tossing them in the trash, can also endanger our waterways and wildlife.   

As an expression of gratitude for their safe disposal, the Scarsdale STAY club, (Students Take Action for Youth) distributed a free Deterra drug deactivation bag to all who participated that day.  Deterra bags are a safe and environmentally friendly way to render prescription medications inert. 

If you missed this year’s Take Back Day, please don’t worry. A prescription drug disposal unit is available 24/7 to the community year-round at the Scarsdale Police Department. Please note that sharps and liquid medications are not accepted.