Meijer Continues Strong Momentum with Drug Take Back Program, Nearly 200 Tons Disposed in Last Five Years

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Retailer prepares for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26

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Oct 15, 2024, 10:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Meijer pharmacists are ready to help customers looking to dispose of their unwanted, unused, and expired medications.

Drug Take Back Day is a national initiative organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to safely collect and dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The goal is to prevent drug misuse and reduce the risk of accidental poisonings or overdoses. It also aims to limit the environmental harm that can result from improper disposal methods, such as flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash.

Meijer first participated in the national program in February 2019 and has since collected nearly 200 tons of unneeded medications in easily identifiable kiosks near each of its in-store pharmacies. To date, in 2024, Meijer customers have returned nearly 76,000 pounds, or 37 tons, of unused/unwanted medications from proper disposal.

"At Meijer, every day is drug take back day. Customers can access the kiosks year-round for disposal of over-the-counter and prescription medications, including controlled substances, during normal pharmacy hours," said Jackie Morse, Group Vice President of Health and Pharmacy at Meijer. "National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a reminder of a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs and we'll continue to encourage our customers to take advantage of the program."

Items not accepted as part of the program include needles or other sharps, inhalers, mercury thermometers, medications that contain iodine, and illicit drugs. For additional questions, assistance is available.

Meijer Pharmacy hours vary by location. Visit Meijer.com/Pharmacy to learn more.

About Meijer: Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com.

SOURCE Meijer