National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: April 22, 2023

Brewster residents can drop off expired or unwanted prescription medications at the Police Station on Saturday, April 22 from 10:00am to 2:00pm as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The goal of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.

“Brewster residents should dispose of any unused or expired prescription medicine as soon as possible,” says Detective Jacob Zontini. “Timely disposal of prescription drugs reduces the risk of others taking the medication accidentally. Accidental exposure to medicine in the home is a major source of unintentional pediatric poisonings in the United States.”

Research shows that the safest way to dispose of prescription medicine is through a drug take-back program. Brewster Water Superintendent Paul Anderson states that there is also a clear environmental benefit to disposing of prescription drugs through a take-back program, rather than flushing them down the toilet. “Flushing medications or pouring them down the drain can impact the quality of our drinking water,” says Anderson. “Emerging contaminants continue to be a significant concern, but proper disposal of prescription drugs can help protect the fragile ecosystem that we all rely on.”

In addition to Take Back Day on April 22, a drug drop-off kiosk is located in the lobby of the Brewster Police Facility at 631 Harwich Road that is available 24/7. Residents should call the Brewster Police Department at (508) 896-7011 with any questions.