United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BOSTON, Mass - This weekend DEA will once again conduct one of its most popular community programs: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday April 28 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the public can dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications at one of 580 collection sites throughout New England, operated by local law enforcement agencies and other community partners. The service is free of charge, no questions asked and most of these collection sites can be found in the lobby of your local Police Department. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posed potential safety and health hazards.

“Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Angelucci. “These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our local, county, state, and federal partners and DEA thanks every one of them for their efforts.”

Last October, during its 14th Take Back Day, the DEA New England Field (NEFD) participated in the Drug Take-Back Day and over the course of four hours 96,130 pounds of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs we’re collected at 578 collection sites throughout New England. The following was the breakdown of collected weights for the six New England states:

The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting wwwDEATakeBack.com or call 800-882-9539. Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.