On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will partner with the police departments of Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, Waldoboro, and Wiscasset to host the semi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

This medication disposal event is offered every spring and fall with the goal of preventing prescription drug misuse, theft, and accidental ingestion. Safe disposal also plays a key environmental service by preventing seepage of toxic compounds into surface waters. Everyone is welcome to bring in expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal, no questions asked.  This national event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency, local law enforcement, and community health partners. The service is free and anonymous.

There will be five drop-off locations in Lincoln County:  

• Boothbay Harbor Town Office;  
• LincolnHealth, Miles Campus in Damariscotta;  
• The Whitefield Lions Club in Whitefield;  
• Waldoboro Town Office; and  

• Wiscasset Police Department   

According to DEA standards, the sites accept all unused, unwanted, or expired prescription or over-the-counter medications. This includes pills, liquids, ointments, and patches. Sites cannot accept needles, other sharps, syringes, electronic devices or devices with mercury.   

Every spring and fall, hundreds of pounds of prescription drugs are returned to Lincoln County disposal sites. Disposing of unused medications prevents misuse and overdose, but also protects our drinking water and the wider environment. We all have a role to play in making our community safer by removing extraneous medications from the environment. 

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back Day event, go to the DEA's Drug Take Back Day website or call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 207-882-7332.