Drug Take Back Day A Success in Port Washington

The Port Washington Police District collected a total of 112.5 pounds  of expired, unwanted and unused prescription medications at the Drug Enforcement Administration-sponsored Drug Take Back Day on April 27.

The effort aims to remove hazards as these drugs can be accidentally ingested, misused or abused, according to the DEA. They can also contaminate the environment if they are  not disposed of properly. 

Long Island communities took in more than two tons of drugs – specifically, 4,027.79 pounds, according to a release. That’s up 1,316.79 pounds from the last event, held in September 2012. Officials say 3,210.69 of those pounds came from the 50 collection sites that were established in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The remaining 817.10 pounds came from 22 long-term nursing homes and were picked up by the DEA on April 25.

Port Washington Police informed the community in advance about Drug Take Back Day through media outreach and through automated calls to residents. And the community responded. While the average amount of drugs collected from the 50 collection sites totaled 64.21 pounds, Port Washington Police took in nearly 75 percent more.  

Port Washington Police Chief James Salerno expressed thanks to the community for supporting the effort to properly dispose of prescription medications and remove them from circulation.