Ballwin, Ellisville Police Target Prescription Pills

Police in Ballwin, Ellisville and throughout the country will be collecting prescription drugs Saturday as part of initiative under the Drug Enforcement Agency.

The events are part of National Take Back Day, which is meant to help concerned residents safely dispose of potentially dangerous drugs.

“The amount of prescription drugs turned in by the American public during the first two Take-Back events is simply staggering—309 tons—and represents a clear need for a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs,” DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart said earlier this year following Take-Back events last spring and fall.

Both the Ballwin and Ellisville police departments will take part in Saturday's collections. Last year, the Ballwin Police Department drop-off site collected items like pills, inhalers, tubes of ointment and other items totalling 267 pounds — more than any of St. Louis County's other 30 drop-off events, the Rockwood School District reported.

Representatives for the Department of Justice said Congress approved last fall that will allow ongoing collections of prescription drugs through the "Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act," but hasn't yet actualized on the local level. Take Back Days are expected to continue every six months until that program is operational, DOJ representatives said in a news release.

For more information about the Natonal Take Back Initiative in Missouri, contact Deputy Provost Marshal Scott Collier at 314-538-4600.

National Take Back Day
Prescription Drug Drop-Off Locations:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29

• , 37 Weis Ave., Ellisville
• (Police and Court Center), 300 Park Drive, Ballwin
• St. Louis County Police, City of Clarkson Valley Substation, 15933 Clayton Road

For a complete list of drop-off locations participating Friday, visit the official U.S. Department of Justice website.