Cobb, Marietta to take back RX pills on Oct. 26

For 24/7, a disposal box for RX medicines is available in the Marietta Police Department, 240 Lemon St., Marietta. Three locations will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 in Cobb and Marietta on DEA National RX Take Back Day. (Courtesy of Marietta)

For 24/7, a disposal box for RX medicines is available in the Marietta Police Department, 240 Lemon St., Marietta. Three locations will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 in Cobb and Marietta on DEA National RX Take Back Day. (Courtesy of Marietta)

Keep Cobb Beautiful and the Marietta Police Department are coordinating a free one-day drug “Take Back” event with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26.

Unused and/or unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medications will be collected and destroyed.

Medications can remain in the original containers, and labels do not have to be removed.

Everything collected will be sealed and destroyed.

Accepted items will include prescription or over-the-counter liquids, pills, ointments, patches, creams and vials for humans and pets.

Flushing unwanted medicine down the toilet can contaminate lakes, streams and groundwater, causing harm to people, wildlife and vegetation, according to county and city statements.

Medication thrown in the garbage can cause poisoning from accidental ingestion by young children, pets and wildlife.

Not to be accepted will be needles, sharps, syringes, thermometers, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, empty containers, inhalers and/or medical equipment.

Collection sites are:

  • Precinct 1, 2380 Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw
  • C. Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road SW, Smyrna
  • Marietta Police Department Active Substance Support Intervention Solutions Team (A.S.S.I.S.T.): Drop off in front of the Marietta Police Department at 240 Lemon St., Marietta.

The Marietta Police Department also keeps a secure drop box inside the police department that is accessible anonymously 24 hours every day.

Information: Keep Cobb Beautiful at 770-528-1135 or KeepCobbBeautiful@CobbCounty.org, Marietta Police Lt. Michael Goins at 770-794-5367, TakeBackDay.dea.gov