Ask the Mayor: Disposing of Expired Medication

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions.

Q: Mr. Mayor, I have some unused, expired medications, and I recall that there’s some kind of program for people to safely turn in unused drugs, instead of flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash. Is there such a program, and, if so, when is the next collection event?

A: Thank you for your question. I asked my staff to check, and they found that the Maui Police Department has a “National Take Back Day” program in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The next “Take Back” day is on April 25. More information on the time and location of that event is expected later.

There also are Hawaii Medication Drop Box Program locations available year-round for medication disposal. In Maui County, there are drop box locations at six Maui Police Department stations. Those are in Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina, Hana, Molokai and Lanai. Boxes also are at CVS pharmacies in Kahului, Kihei and Lahaina.

The proper disposal of unused medications can prevent them from getting in to the wrong hands and prevent negative and toxic effects on our environment. Seventy-five percent of opioid misuse started with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them, usually from a friend or family member.

I want to thank you for doing your part to protect our community and I strongly urge all our residents to participate in “Take Back” day or drop by your local police station to dispose of your unused medication.

For more information about the Hawai‘i Medication Drop Box Program, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/substance-abuse/.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.