PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL

Safe and secure disposal of unused and unwanted prescription medications. 

Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors drug take back days allowing people to turn in prescription pills anonymously for proper disposal. CPN works with local pharmacies, doctor's offices, and other public spaces to promote this service. 

Collection sites for National Prescription Drug Take-back Days are posted approximately one month before the event date. To find Take-Back Day collection site near you go to the DEA website. 

DEA website

Did you know that in 2015, 11% of Vermont high school students reported taking a pain reliever or stimulant not prescribed to them?

Those numbers sound scary, but here's what you can do to help:

1. Monitor all medication use.
2. Securely store and/or lock up prescription medications using an inexpensive and effective lock box.
3. Talk to your kids about the dangers of prescription drugs.
4. Show you care. Do not share medications. 
5. Properly dispose of unwanted or unused prescription medications at a national Drug Take-Back Day event or any of the options listed below year-round. 

Drug take back is available at the following permanent locations in Chittenden County:

• Burlington Police Department  (802) 658-2704
  • Drop box is available during business hours from 7:00am-4:15pm Monday - Friday
• Essex Police Department (802) 878-8331
  • Drop box available 24/7 
• Hinesburg Police Department (802) 482-3397
  • Disposal is available 7am-11pm. No drop box is available, drugs handed directly to officer on duty
• Richmond Police Department (802) 434-2156
  • Drop box available 24/7
• Shelburne Police Department (802) 985-8051
  • Drop box available 24/7 
• South Burlington Police (802) 846-4111      
  • Drop box available 24/7 in police department
• University of Vermont Medical Center Pharmacies -
  • Main Campus (111 Colchester Avenue)
  • UHC Campus (1 South Prospect St)
  • Fanny Allen Campus (792 College Parkway)
    • Drop boxes available during pharmacy hours

• Vermont Family Pharmacy (802) 658-9664
  • Drop box available: Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 1pm
• Walgreens Pharmacy, Burlington (802) 651-0597
  • Drop box available during store hours
• Winooski Police Department (802) 655-0221
  • Drop box available in police department during normal business hours
• Wiliston Police Department (802) 878-7111
  • Drop box available in police department during normal business hours, 7am-11pm

Outside of Chittenden County? Search for a take back site near you on the DEA's website. 

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Medicine Abuse Project
• Stop Medicine Abuse Project
• Vermont Department of Health: General Rx Disposal Information
• Vermont Department of Health:  Take Back Day Press Release