United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN FRANCISCO - DEA reprises one of its most popular community programs this weekend:  National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  On Saturday October 22 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the public can dispose of their unused, unwanted prescription medications at one of 4,700 collection sites nationwide, operated by 3,800 local law enforcement agencies and other community partners.  The service is free of charge, no questions asked.

America is presently experiencing an epidemic of addiction, overdose and death due to abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioid painkillers.  6.4 million Americans age 12 and over abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health released last month.  More Americans abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine abuse combined.  Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms.  The majority of prescription drug abusers report that they obtain their drugs from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet.

“Proper disposal of unwanted medications has never been more important as the prescription drug epidemic in this country continues.  We encourage individuals to take advantage of this free and anonymous service.  Everyone who participates is making a difference in their community,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin.

Last April, during its 11th Take Back Day, the DEA and over 4,200 of its national, tribal, and community law enforcement partners collected 893,498 (about 447 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs at almost 5,400 collection sites.  Since the program began six years ago, about 6.4 million (about 3,200 tons) of drugs have been collected.  That’s more than a quarter pound of pills for each of the 25 million children aged 12 to 17 in America, that won’t result in abuse or overdose.  

During the previous 11 take-back events approximately 328,765 pounds or 164 tons of unused medication were collected from Northern California and Central Valley residents.

The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database where they enter their zip code.  Or they can call 800-882-9539.  Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites-liquids and needles or other sharps will not be accepted.