Franklin County residents will have a local place to turn in old or unused medicines Saturday, Oct. 24, when a medication take-back is held at Franklin County Farmers Market in Winchester.
The Franklin County Prevention Coalition is partnering with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for the collection, scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Central time Saturday. The market is on Dinah Shore Boulevard.
Organizers say both over-the-counter and prescription medications will be accepted. The Sheriff's Office shared the event announcement Tuesday, giving residents a chance to plan a medicine-cabinet cleanout before the weekend.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends take-back programs as the best disposal option for most expired, unwanted or unused medicines. Removing unneeded medicines from the home can help reduce the risk of accidental use and keep them from being taken by someone they were not prescribed for.
The local announcement does not specify collection rules for liquids, needles, inhalers or other special items. Residents with questions about what to bring or how to prepare it should contact the Prevention Coalition at 931-800-9112 before the event.
Some products have their own disposal instructions, according to the FDA. Residents who are unsure about a particular medicine can check its labeling or ask a pharmacist. The agency also advises removing personal information from labels on empty medicine packaging before throwing that packaging away.
For those unable to attend Saturday, some pharmacies offer medicine collection kiosks or mail-back programs. Availability and accepted items should be checked with the individual location.
Sources: Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announcement; FDA disposal guidance; FDA expired-medicine safety guidance; Tennessee Department of Agriculture market listing.
