Swampscott Police To Collect Unused Medications, Vape Pens

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott police are adding vaping pens and cartridges to the items it will collect during the annual National Take Back Initiative day.

Police will take back the items on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the department on Humphrey Street in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration program. Liquids, needles and other "sharps" cannot be accepted.

Vape pens should have batteries removed before being dropped.

Drop off is free and no questions will be asked about how the items were obtained.

"This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue," Swampscott police said. "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs."

Residents are asked not to flush the medications as they can wind up in drinking water supplies. Secure dropoffs are also preferable to throwing them in the trash as they are susceptible to falling into the wrong hands.

"Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet," police said.

Those who cannot attend the drop-off day can drop off the items in a permanent box at the station that is maintained year-round.