United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with more than 4,000 law enforcement partners across the country, will host the 27th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day encourages the safe and anonymous disposal of unnecessary, expired, and unused prescription medications at over 4,100 collection sites across the United States to help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental drug poisonings. 

For fifteen years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided Americans with an easy, accessible way to rid their homes of medications that could pose a threat if misused.

“Disposing of unneeded medications helps us protect the safety and health of our communities. Families can minimize the risk of medications falling into the wrong hands by simply bringing unused medications to one of our more than 4,100 drop off locations on Saturday,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “National Prescription Drug Take Bay Day would not be possible without our incredible local and state law enforcement partners and the community groups who work every year to make Take Back Day a success.” 

“I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of any mediations they no longer need,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division.  “It’s a small step that can have big impact on our community.”

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be collected. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should be sealed in their original container. Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted, provided the lithium batteries are removed. 

According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications. 

This past spring DEA and its partners collected 335 tons of unused medications, bringing the total for the past 15 years to 9,285 tons of unused medications. 

For more information or to find a location nearest you visit www.DEATakeBack.com.   

If you are unable to participate in this fall’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes to ensure Every Day is Take Back Day.

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