DEA Holding Eighth Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 26
Participating agencies have taken more than 1,700 tons of unwanted or expired prescription medications out of circulation during the past three and a half years in this way.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and more than 4,200 national, tribal, and community law enforcement partners will hold a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26--the eighth take back day in the series, as concern about prescription drug abuse and fatalities. The National Safety Council’s 2014 Injury Facts report highlights the problem, noting that about half of all unintentional poisoning deaths in 2010 resulted from prescription drug overdoses.
During the April 26 take back day, Americans can take their pills to any of more than 5,600 collection sites nationwide between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time. The service is free and anonymous.
This strategy has allowed participating agencies to take more than 3.4 million pounds of unwanted or expired prescription medications out of circulation since DEA's first event in September 2010. DEA points out that unused medications in homes are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft, misuse, and abuse.
To find a nearby collection site, visit www.dea.gov, click on the "Got Drugs?" icon, and follow the links to a database to enter your zip code, or call 800-882-9539. Only pills and other solids, such as patches, will be accepted at the collection sites--liquids and needles or other sharps will not be.