Attorney General Schneider Joins State Workers in Prescription Drug Take-Back Drive

April 26, 2012

AUGUSTA ? Attorney General William J. Schneider joined state workers and retirees today in collecting prescription drugs as part of this week?s National Prescription Drug Take Back effort. Attorney General Schneider asked capital area state employees to ?lead the way? in safely disposing of unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Collection sites, attended by Capitol Police and Maine Drug Enforcement Administration officers, were available at the Eastside Wellness Center and outside the west entrance to the Statehouse.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold the fourth nationwide Take Back Day this Saturday, April 28th from 10:00 to 2:00. Collection sites will be set up throughout the state and will be manned by local law enforcement agencies in partnership with public and private community leaders. To find a collection site near you, call your local police department or go to http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

?The take-back effort is a way that each of us can help reduce the risk of drug diversion and protect the environment in Maine,? said Attorney General Schneider. ?I want to thank everyone who takes a few minutes to clean out their medicine cabinet and drop those drugs off at a local collection site. It?s easy ? no identification is necessary and no questions will be asked ? and it makes a difference.?

Maine ranked first in the nation for the amount of drugs collected per capita in the last three take-backs. Mainers participating in the October 2011 take-back turned in over 14,000 pounds of prescription drugs, ensuring that those unwanted medications would be removed from circulation and disposed of properly.