Unused and expired medications can pose serious risks—but a community effort in Seneca County is aiming to safely get them out of homes later this month.
United Way of Seneca County is partnering with the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and local coalitions for a Drug Take Back Day event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, as part of the nationwide DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The event gives residents a chance to safely dispose of unused or expired medications, which in turn helps prevent misuse and reduce potential harm.
“It’s a day where you can bring in all of your expired or unused meds,” said Rhonda Jasper, executive director of the United Way of Seneca County. “The idea is to be able to get them off the street, out of people’s houses.”
Jasper said the effort is about more than just cleaning out medicine cabinets. It also plays a role in broader public health and safety, particularly when it comes to substance use and suicide prevention.
“A huge way of reducing suicide is reducing access to means, which, again, is those extra pills,” she said.
Collection sites will be set up at multiple locations across the county, including Kinney Drugs in Seneca Falls and Ovid, and Walgreens in Waterloo. Representatives from local coalitions and law enforcement will be on site to collect medications and provide information on resources, including Narcan.
Officials say most medications will be accepted, though liquids and needles cannot be turned in. Expired Narcan can also be exchanged, and new doses will be available for those who need them.
Jasper also emphasized the importance of proper disposal, noting that flushing medications can have unintended environmental impacts.
The event is part of an ongoing collaboration between the United Way and local partners, including the Substance Abuse Coalition and Suicide Prevention Coalition, both of which operate under the organization’s umbrella.
Drug Take Back Day is free and open to the public, with no registration required.
