DEA to host 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to promote safe medication disposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in partnership with nearly 4,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, will host the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing Americans an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of unused, expired, or unnecessary prescription medications.

The nationwide initiative aims to prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental overdoses, and poisonings by offering nearly 4,000 collection sites across the United States.

“Prescription drugs may be legal, but they are still powerful – and can present significant risk to those in your household,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Join in the DEA’s National Take Back Day to lessen community risk from drug abuse and keep Americans safe!”

“DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects our shared commitment to protecting the American people from drug-related harm,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “This effort brings together law enforcement, public health, and communities in a unified mission – keeping homes safe, preventing the misuse of prescription drugs before it starts, and saving lives. Every prescription drug turned in represents one less opportunity for tragedy and one more act of protection for our families and neighborhoods.”

Since the program’s launch in 2010, Take Back Day has provided an accessible way for Americans to rid their homes of potentially dangerous medications. To date, the initiative has collected an estimated 20 million pounds of unused or expired medications.

The DEA and its local partners will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. However, syringes, sharps, and illicit substances will not be accepted. Liquid medications, such as cough syrup, should be tightly sealed in their original containers before disposal.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), opioids — including oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine — remain among the most frequently misused prescription medications in the United States.

For more information or to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

Those unable to participate in Saturday’s event can still safely dispose of medications year-round at one of nearly 16,500 permanent collection locations, including pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments. Information on permanent drop boxes can be found on the “Every Day is Take Back Day” website.