United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEWARK, N.J. - - Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, is reminding New Jersey residents that on Saturday, October 22nd from 10 am - 2 pm, the DEA and its law enforcement partners will be holding the12th National Prescription Drug Take-Back.  As with the previous eleven Take-Back events, sites will be set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can return their unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal. 

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms.  Special Agent in Charge Kotowski said, “More people abuse prescription drugs than those that abuse heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hallucinogens combined. The easiest way the public can assist with this epidemic is to remove these unwanted prescription medications from the home.  If the pills are not there the temptation to abuse them, especially by our children, is removed.”

Nationally, this program has collected approximately 6.4 million pounds of prescription drugs since its inception in 2010.  New Jersey residents have surrendered approximately 174,000 pounds or 87 tons of prescription drugs since the program’s inception.  During the last Take Back day in April, New Jersey residents surrendered 17,785 pounds. 

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.