It’s time to clear your homes of unused or expired medication by taking them to a designated collection site on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Oct. 28.
To find a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration location, click here.
Take Back Day is a national effort that occurs twice a year. It aims to provide individuals with a safe and easy way to dispose of unused or expired medicine.
You drive up or walk to the box, put your medication inside, and drive away, no questions asked. There are no forms to fill out, no one will ask for a name or identification.
About 6.4 million Americans abuse controlled prescription drugs, according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
The results of the April 2017 National Take Back Day are:
- Total collection sites: 5,498
- Total weight collected: 900,386 lbs. or 450 tons
Created in 2010, the DEA’s Takeback Day promotes a safe, convenient, and responsible means for individuals to dispose of prescription drugs. The day also aims to educate the public about the potential for the abuse of unused or expired drugs.
Such good advice to use take your expired drugs to a collection site rather than throw them in the trash or train where they may harm animals or fish.
Thank you for this information. While I missed take back day, the link provided also gives information on how to do it year round.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m glad you were able to locate a drug drop off site near you. It’s good to clean out your medicine cabinet frequently so people don’t steal your drugs and so that they aren’t dumped in streams or landfills.
Rita