Law enforcement, hospitals plead for unused prescription pills for ‘Drug Takeback Day’

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - In honor of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 28, several Grand Strand law enforcement and healthcare agencies are holding prescription drug takeback events.

Drug takeback events are meant to give people a way to dispose of unused, old, or expired prescription medications that may accumulate in their homes. These events are important, according to Sheriff Carter Weaver with the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office because the longer medication sits in a home, the more time it gives someone to steal it.

“These events always help diminish the misuse and the stealing of these drugs that are sitting in your home unused, undetected, unknown sometimes for years and years,” Sheriff Weaver said. “It just takes the possibility of those types of incidents occurring.”

Additionally, takeback events ensure that prescription drugs get disposed of safely. Improperly disposing of prescription drugs can have severe consequences, which is why Sheriff Weaver encourages “anyone and everyone” to bring their medications to the event.

“You do not need to dump them down the toilet. You do not need to dump them down your sink and get into the water supply,” Sheriff Weaver said, alluding to one consequence of improperly discarding medication. “You do not need to just throw them in your trash can or in a dumpster because again, that will allow someone else to have access to your unused medication.”

In Horry County, Grand Strand Medical Center will host its “Crush the Crisis” takeback event, the fifth such event in as many years. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 28.

In Georgetown County, the Georgetown County Department of Public Services is sponsoring a Household Hazardous Waste Collection & Paper Shredding event at Sampit Elementary School. From 9 a.m. to noon, you can drop off any old or unused household items (except gases, oil, antifreeze, and ammunition), along with paper products and prescription medications.

All items dropped off at either takeback event will be disposed of safely.

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