Kids & Family

CPD's Prescription Drug Take-Back a Success

Authorities Saturday collected 71 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired medication to properly destroy.

Cartersville authorities say their prescription drug take-back Saturday in front of the police department was a huge success.Β 

"We collected 58 pounds of prescription and over the counter medications. Two years ago we collected 33 pounds and last year we collected 18 pounds," Chief Tommy Culpepper said in a release. "So this year was a huge success. We really appreciate the reception of this event by the citizens of Cartersville and Bartow County."

Another 13 pounds was collected through Monday, bringing the total to 71 pounds.

Find out what's happening in Cartersvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

CPD holds two take-back events a year, which are coordinated and sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration. They're held in the spring and in the fall.Β 

The purpose is to provide a proper way for people to dispose of medications they no longer need. Meds collected are then burned to prevent anyone else from obtaining them or getting information from the labels.

Find out what's happening in Cartersvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Improper disposal of unwanted medications can lead to several safety issues," Culpepper said. "If they are thrown in the trash, someone else can find them and take them. If they are poured down the sink of flushed in the toilet, an environmental hazard is created."

Local authorities plan to advertise the spring event more heavily "so that more people will be aware that they have a safe method of getting rid of their unwanted medications," according to the release. It's also considering installing a permanent drop box at headquarters so that folks can dispose of their medications throughout the year.

Don’t miss any of the local news you care about. Subscribe to Cartersville Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Also check out our Android or iPhone apps for mobile news, business listings, weather forecasts and more.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Cartersville