News

Prescription drug disposal event being held today

The Peconic Independent Pharmacy Association is hosting its annual prescription drug disposal program today, accepting pharmaceuticals for disposal at several North Fork pharmacies.

PIPA has been hosting the event, known as The Great Peconic Takeback, annually since 2010 to promote pharmaceutical safety in the home and proper disposal, keeping pharmaceuticals out of the ground water.

Environmentalists have voiced concern over pharmaceuticals entering groundwater, even in trace amounts, impacting the safety of humans and wildlife.

Pharmaceuticals should be in their original, labeled containers, with the patient’s name blacked out with permanent marker. The medications do not have to have been purchased at the participating pharmacies, and no personal identification is required. All types of medications will be accepted.

Pharmaceuticals and medications can be dropped off for disposal at any of the following locations between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., free of charge.

Barth’s Drug Store in Riverhead
32 East Main Street

Martin Drugs in Riverhead
849 Old Country Road

Cutchogue Pharmacy
28195 Main Road

Southold Pharmacy
53895 Main Road

The Riverhead Police Department is also hosting a drug disposal event on Saturday, April 27, in honor of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Police, partnered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will be accepting medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Riverhead Police Department, located at 210 Howell Avenue.

“All citizens are encouraged to check their medications and turn in expired or unwanted drugs. Doing so only ensures the safety of you and your family. It also protects the environment from the harmful effects of improper disposal,” Riverhead Police said in a release.