HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Police Department, in cooperation with Adopt-A-Block of Aroostook, is sponsoring a national Drug Take Back Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Houlton’s event will be held at the police station, located at 97 Military St. Similar takeback events also are scheduled at police departments throughout the state.
Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca said Wednesday that these type of events are a great way for people to dispose of medications that are either expired or no longer needed in a safe, reliable fashion. Among the types of drugs that can be dropped off are prescription, over-the-counter or veterinary pills, drops and ointments.
People dropping off prescriptions are asked to remove any personal information on the containers, such as name and address. There is no charge to dispose of items.
No thermometers, medical batteries or durable medical equipment can be accepted, the chief added. Also, no intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes or illicit substances are allowed to be disposed.
At the spring collection day held in April, 28,560 pounds were collected throughout the state and incinerated at Eco Maine in Portland, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Portland.
Locally, the Caribou Police Department collected the largest amount with 563.2 pounds, followed by Presque Isle, 425.4 pounds; Houlton, 359.8; Madawaska, 198.8; Fort Fairfield, 175.4; and Van Buren, 45.8.
