New Hope Area Readies For Drug Take-Back Event

Expired medicines poured into a collection box during a Drug Take-Back Day event in the past. Credit: Naoto Anazawa

Bucks County residents will have 48 locations across the county to dispose of unneeded, unused, and expired medications this weekend.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, the county will host its biannual drug take-back event. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is part of the nationwide National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Bucks County consistently leads the state in medication disposal through the program.

“We, in Bucks County, collect more unused medications than any other county in Pennsylvania,” said Diane Rosati, executive director of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission. “We expect that to continue.”

Below are the drop-off locations in the New Hope-Lambertville area:

• CVS Pharmacy, 302 West Bridge Street, New Hope
• Solebury Township Police Department, 3092 Sugan Road, Solebury (Sharps collection included)

The take-back event expands collection capabilities beyond what local police departments typically accept year-round.

While police stations generally accept prescription and over-the-counter pills, the take-back day allows for disposal of a wider array of substances.

“For many community members, usually when they call throughout the years, if they’re just going to their police department on a regular day, they can dispose of over-the-counter and prescription medications,” said Mallory Perrotti, prevention supervisor for the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission. “Here, on this day, you can actually dispose of more of the injectables and other liquids that they cannot dispose year round.”

Approximately half of the 48 collection sites will also accept sharps. Additionally, some sites will distribute naloxone, medication locking bags and boxes, and bags designed to help dispose of unused medications.

The commission plans to increase its focus on collecting vaping devices in future events.

“We’ll be working with a number of additional new projects that will help us to expand our collection of vaping devices, including Juul,” Rosati said.

The take-back program is a component of broader county initiatives focused on substance abuse and medication safety, according to Rachael Neff, the county’s director of human services, which is a partner for the collection day.

For more information about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, including a full list of drop-off locations, residents can visit bcdac.org or call 215-444-2700.

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