Arkansas law enforcement agencies will host collection drives across the state on October 24 for the fall Arkansas Drug Take Back Day, offering residents a secure way to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired prescriptions, katv.com reported. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and aims to prevent accidental poisonings, prescription drug misuse, and environmental contamination.
Statewide Collection Sites and Participation Rules
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders noted that flushing medications down toilets or throwing them into household trash cans can pollute waterways and endanger families, making the take-back program a necessary alternative.
The upcoming initiative follows a large turnout earlier in the year, as deltaplexnews.com noted that the Tri-County Drug Take Back Day in April brought in 314.2 pounds of medications, while an additional 405.8 pounds were gathered by the Pine Bluff Police Vice and Narcotics Unit, White Hall Police Department, and Redfield Police Department. Statewide figures from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership show that spring collections totaled 50,240 pounds, contributing to a total of 367 tons destroyed since the Arkansas Drug Take Back initiative began in 2010.
Jefferson County Operations and Local Drop Boxes
According to deltaplexnews.com, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will host its main collection event on October 24, running from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Super 1 Foods situated at 2800 South Hazel Street in Pine Bluff. Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. stated that the collaborative effort between federal, state, and local agencies helps remove potentially dangerous medications from homes before they can be misused or fall into the wrong hands.
Residents who cannot attend the October 24 event have access to permanent drop boxes year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Jefferson County residents drop off medications on October 24?
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will host its primary collection event at Super 1 Foods, located at 2800 South Hazel Street in Pine Bluff, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., deltaplexnews.com reported.
What items are excluded from the October 24 collection drives?
According to safety guidelines issued for the event, collection sites will not accept liquids, needles, sharps, aerosols, inhalers, or vape pens containing batteries, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported.
How many permanent drop boxes are available outside of the scheduled event day?
Arkansas maintains more than 300 permanent drop boxes statewide where residents can dispose of medications year-round, kait8.com reported.
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