Buchanan & Linn Counties Hosting Prescription Drug Take-Back Events

Two local Sheriff’s Offices will be hosting events on Saturday as part of the nationwide prescription drug “Take Back” initiative.

The goal is to collect unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs in an effort to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands – and to help keep them out of landfills and water supplies. Events are held across the nation in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting prescription drugs at their office at 310 2nd Avenue Southwest in Cedar Rapids on Saturday from 10 to 2. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting prescription drugs from 10 to 2 at the Buchanan County Public Health/Emergency Operations Center at 1210 First Street West in Independence. They’ll be operating out of the Sheriff’s Command Trailer, so you can just drive up and drop off.

This is a free and anonymous service that authorities say will help keep your home safe and could even save lives.

Delaware County no longer hosts a Drug Take-Back Event because the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has a permanent drop-box that is located just outside their office on the west end of Manchester – so unused and expired prescription drugs can be dropped off there anytime (also a free and anonymous service).

photo courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH