The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will host National Take-Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, April 22 at the Benton County Kalapuya building.

National Take-Back Day is a biannual event where people can bring their expired over-the-counter medications and/or prescription drugs at a designated collection site for safe disposal. 

Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall emphasizes the importance of Take-Back Day, as medications not carefully stored or thrown away are susceptible to misuse, while medications that are flushed down the toilet can contaminate the water supply. 

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office website, people are not encouraged to bring: 

• Thermometers or other mercury products
• Intravenous solutions
• Injectables
• Chemotherapy medications
• Sharp items such as syringes, lancets, needles, EpiPens, etc.
• Electronic glucose monitors
• Medical or hazardous waste of any kind
• Illegal drugs
• Items from businesses such as veterinary clinics, doctor’s offices, foster homes, nursing homes, etc. 

This is a one-day, drive-through event that will take place in the Kalapuya building parking lot, located at 4500 SW Research Way. Participants should bring their medications in their original packaging or in a sealed bag. For more information, check out the DEA’s official website or the Benton County website under the Sheriff’s Office section.