The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will host a Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, April 25, giving the public an opportunity to safely dispose of expired or unused medications.
The one-day drive-thru event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in west Corvallis. Participants are asked to enter the lot off Research Way and follow signs and volunteer directions.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted from individual households only. Items from businesses such as nursing homes, doctor’s offices and veterinary clinics cannot be accepted.
Several items are prohibited for safety reasons, including thermometers, intravenous solutions, needles, EpiPens and medical waste of any kind. Vitamins and illegal drugs will also not be accepted. A complete list of restricted items is posted on the Sheriff’s Office website at sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/drug-take-back.
BCSO says it offers the event as a public safety service to help keep prescription drugs out of the hands of children and others who might misuse them. According to the agency, misuse of prescription drugs remains a serious concern, particularly among teens and young adults.
Officials also noted that improperly disposing of medications — by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — can contaminate drinking water. While most drugs can be treated at wastewater treatment plants, some cannot.
The Oregon State University Pharmacy Program and the City of Corvallis are partnering on the event, which is sanctioned by the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of its National Take-Back Initiative. Reserve deputies, the auxiliary team and the Benton County Emergency Management Volunteer Corps are providing volunteer support.