The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration views the drug overdose epidemic as a public health and safety issue, as well as a national security threat. In collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies, the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22, with collections points available statewide.

What You Need To Know

  • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22, with collections sites available statewide

  • Tablets, capsules, liquids and other forms of prescription or nonprescription medication — including patches — will be accepted

  • Experts say unused medication should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet since they could enter the water supply and harm aquatic life

  • For people unable to take part on April 22, visit the Hawaii Opioid Initiative website for a list of drop box locations statewide

The public is encouraged to drop off unused, unwanted or expired pharmaceutical medicines and other medications at each island’s respective collection sites. The program is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Tablets, capsules, liquids and other forms of prescription or nonprescription medication — including patches — will be accepted. Remove batteries from vape or e-cigarette devices before dropping them off.

New or used needles and syringes, inhalers, thermometers, infectious waste and aerosol cans will not be accepted.

Unused, unwanted or expired medication can contribute to drug misuse or abuse. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most people who misuse prescription medications obtain them from a family member or friend.

Experts say unused medication should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet since it could enter the water supply and harm aquatic life as well.

For people unable to take part on April 22, visit the Hawaii Opioid Initiative website for a list of drop box locations statewide.

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency website to learn how to properly dispose of needles used at home.

Oahu:

  • Honolulu Fire Department Kailua Station 18 parking lot, 211 Kuulei Rd., Kailua
  • Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu (Beretania St. drive-thru)
  • Honolulu Police Department Pearl City Station parking lot, 1100 Waimano Home Rd., Pearl City
  • Times Supermarkets Kahala parking lot, 1173 21st Ave., Honolulu

Kauai:

  • Kauai Police Department Headquarters, 3990 Kaana St., Lihue

Hawaii Island:

  • Ka Waena Lapa‘au Medical Complex upper parking lot, 670 Ponohawai St., Hilo
  • Hawaii Police Department Kealakehe Police Station parking lot, 74-611 Hale Makai Pl., Kailua-Kona

Maui:

  • Maui Police Department Main Station parking lot, 55 Mahalani St., Wailuku
  • Maui Police Department Kihei Station parking lot, 2201 Piilani Hwy., Kihei

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.