National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The City of Somerville is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this month, hosting two collection events for residents to safely dispose of prescription medications.

On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the Community Outreach, Help, and Recovery (COHR) Department and the Prevention Services Division at 220 Washington Street and 6 Newbury Street. Staff will be onsite at both locations to collect unused or expired medications and provide overdose prevention information and resources. Free Narcan will also be distributed at each location.

In addition to collection events each spring and fall, Somerville offers 24/7, year-round disposal kiosks at the Public Safety Building (220 Washington Street) for medications and sharps (needles and syringes).

Before disposing of bottled medications, remove or scratch out any personal information but keep the medication name visible. Sharps should be placed in a secure container (like a coffee can or laundry detergent bottle) before disposing. Liquid medications cannot be accepted at the event or the 24/7 kiosk, but Prevention Services can advise on other means of disposal. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for misuse of medications. For more information, contact Prevention Services Manager Matthew Mitchell at mmitchell@somervillema.gov or (617) 625-6600 ext. 2570.