Got Prescription Drugs? Expired Meds? Bring Them to the National Take Back Program Saturday

In Canonsburg, nearly 90 percent of all crime is drug-related.

And Mayor David H. Rhome said that sometimes those perpetrating the crimes are addicted to street drugs, while other times it is prescription medication.

That statistic is just one reason the Canonsburg Police Department is participating in the National Drug Take Back program—an event that will take place in the borough this Saturday and that is sponsored by the borough and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This is the fifth time the borough has participated in the program, which allows residents to properly dispose of all sorts of drugs—over-the-counter, prescription and even street drugs.

And Rhome reminds those who are thinking about bringing their unwanted or expired drugs to be disposed of: There is a no-questions-asked policy.

Here's how it works: Residents may bring their drugs to the Shop 'n Save in Canonsburg from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, where armed police officers will ensure the items are disposed of properly.

"You do not have to do anything but bring it to the disposal site the way it is," Rhome said. "Just get it to us and we'll take care of it."

He added that the drugs collected on Saturday will be treated like other evidence.

"It's secured and disposed of through the Drug Enforcement Agency," Rhome added.

But drug addiction, and how it is tied to police incidents in Canonsburg, is just one reason why borough officials ask you to come out and support the take back initiative.

Rhome implored residents to allow the department to dispose of medications instead of flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash.

"These drugs should not be in our landfills or our water table," he said.

This Saturday, Rhome said he expects turnout to exceed that of past events.

During the first drug take back program, the department collected close to 50 pounds of drugs—and he said the amount was twice that at the last collection.

Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone also lauded the program—and how it has progressed.

“It is exciting to see this event growing. I am truly pleased with the support that our local law enforcement has given this event since (Peters Township Police) Chief Fruecht organized the first event," Vittone said. "I commend our local police for recognizing the need for this vital public service and for staffing these locations in Washington County to safely dispose of medication that is no longer needed."

Editor's Note: Can't make the event Saturday? Rhome said not to worry: Drugs can be dropped off at the police station for disposal 24/7. Just contact the department at 724-745-8020.