TDCI Partners to Host Free Shredding/Drug Take-Back in Southeast TN on Oct. 28
NASHVILLE – On Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, residents of Hamilton and Bradley counties can safely dispose of outdated medications or shred their personal documents and records during a consumer service effort that coincides with National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Saturday’s event in southeast Tennessee is the result of a coalition of numerous partners – including the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs, Tennessee American Water, among others – working together to provide important consumer outreach. The event brings together law enforcement, businesses, and both state and local organizations to offer a convenient and safe way for residents to dispose of medications and sensitive documents.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (EST), residents can drive up and drop off their unused and unwanted medications (prescription or over-the-counter) for proper disposal at 14 locations across Hamilton and Bradley counties. Document shredders provided by TDCI’s Division of Consumer Affairs will be available at the locations listed in bold face. The locations are as follows:
- East Brainerd Walgreens – 2289 Gunbarrel Road
- Brainerd Walgreens – 3605 Brainerd Road
- East Ridge Walgreens – 5301 Ringgold Road
- Northshore Walgreens – 110 North Market Street
- Ooltewah Walgreens – 9307 Lee Hwy
- St. Elmo Walgreens – 3550 Broad Street
- Hixson Walgreens - 5478 TN Highway 153
- Soddy Daisy Walgreens – 121 Harrison Lane
- Red Bank Food City – 3901 Dayton Boulevard
- Mt. Cannan Baptist Church – 4801 Highway 58
- Signal Mountain Police Department – 1111 Ridgeway Avenue
- Elks Lodge #91 – 1069 Graysville Road
- Cleveland Walgreens – 35 25th Street
- Bradley Co. Sheriff’s Office – 2290 Blythe Avenue SE
Shredding outdated documents helps prevent consumers’ personal and financial information from falling into the hands of scammers. Documents suggested for shredding include outdated credit card statements, utility bills, investment documents, tax forms, loan documents, medical records, insurance documents, employment documents and more. The event is intended for personal/ home disposal only; not business disposal.
Throwing out old drugs reduces the risk of your home being targeted for a drug-related theft and the risk that children or family members might accidentally fall ill from taking medicine kept past its expiration date. However, flushing medications means traces of these drugs eventually end up back in the environment. The local take-back event offers Tennesseans a chance to safely dispose of prescription or over-the-counter drugs while avoiding misuse or unintentionally harming families, pets and the environment.
Citizens are asked to bring medications in their original container if possible and cross out personal information. Items not accepted include sharp needles, IV bags, and radioactive medications.
Safely ridding your home of unwanted prescription medicine is something all citizens can do regularly. Click HERE to locate the nearest Prescription Drug Take-Back Box location in Tennessee.
For more consumer resources, visit the TDCI Division of Consumer Affairs at www.tn.gov/consumer.
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