National Drug Take Back Day in Rochester

In a concerted effort to curb the epidemic of drug overdoses, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has initiated National Drug Take-Back Day today, mobilizing numerous local entities for support.

Various enterprises and associations across Rochester are stepping up to collaborate in this critical campaign. They will be setting up designated drop-off points for individuals to safely dispose of surplus or obsolete prescription drugs.

One of the notable participants is Wegmans, which has committed to this cause across 41 of its stores situated along the East Coast. On October 28, residents of the community are encouraged to rid their homes of any unused, expired, or undesired medicines by bringing them to these accessible locations. It’s important to note that Wegmans specifies acceptance of only pills and patches. They will not be in a position to take in any form of liquids, needles, or sharp objects for disposal.

According to Rockwall News citing DEA, the initiative represents a community-wide commitment to public health and safety, underscoring the importance of responsible medication disposal in preventing abuse and accidental poisoning. By providing convenient locations for Rochester residents to participate, the organizers aim to make a significant impact in the fight against prescription drug abuse. This is where you can safely dispose medication today (only for October 28):

• Calkins Road
• Holt Road
• Lyell Avenue
• Brockport — 4th Section Road
• Chili-Paul — Chili Avenue.
• Irondequoit — Titus Avenue
• Penfield — Penfield Road

Tops Friendly Markets

Tops has revealed that every one of its pharmacy branches will join in National Drug Take-Back Day. They will place disposal bins in these locations for customers to discard unused medications. Stores without a pharmacy section won’t offer this service.

The following Tops Pharmacy locations can be found in the Rochester area:

• Gates — Buffalo Road
• Greece — Mt. Read Boulevard (accepts drugs year-round)
• Irondequoit — East Ridge Road
• Ontario — Furnace Road
• Walworth — Walworth-Penfield Road

Ontario County Sheriff’s Office

Ontario County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be stationed in the Macy’s parking lot at Eastview Mall to collect unused prescription drugs, controlled substances, and over-the-counter products. The take-back event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is in collaboration with Partnership for Ontario County and Eastview Mall.

Year-Round:

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office zones are open for drug drop-offs throughout the year, excluding sharps and needles. You can visit these zones at the addresses below, with drop-off times from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.:

• Zone A — 955 South Panorama Trail
• Zone B — 393 Calkins Road
• Zone C — 2330 Union Street
• Sheriff’s Office basement/property — 130 South Plymouth Avenue

Police Stations

Various police stations in certain towns and villages are set up to receive drugs from Monday to Friday. However, it’s important to note that each station maintains specific rules regarding what can be accepted. Below you’ll find the respective police stations along with their guidelines, as well as the specific days and hours they’re available for medication drop-offs:

• Brighton Police Department (Elmwood Avenue) — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Needles and sharps are not accepted.

• Brockport Police Department (Clinton Street) — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• East Rochester Police Department (Main Street) — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Fairport Police Department (South Main Street) — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Only pills are accepted.
• Ogden Police Department (Ogden Center Road) — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hospitals and Pharmacies

In the Rochester area, certain hospitals, pharmacies, and apothecaries are also equipped to take in medications. Similar to the previously mentioned places, each of these facilities has its own set of guidelines regarding what is permissible for drop-off.

• Highland Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy — Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Highland South Wedge Pharmacy — Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Park Ridge Apothecary — Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Strong Memorial Hospital — Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Strong Ties Pharmacy — Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sharps and needles will not be accepted.

St. John Fisher University

St. John Fisher University’s Haffey Hall features a drop-off bin for prescription medications, situated close to the Safety and Security office. Acceptable items for this bin include prescription medications, patches, vitamins, samples, and pet medicines. However, it does not accept illegal drugs, needles, sharps, aerosol cans, inhalers, chemicals, ointments, lotions, or medicines from businesses. Additionally, the university provides guidance on the correct and safe methods for disposing of unnecessary medications, including practices to steer clear of.

That can be found by clicking here.