Too often, unused and expired medications find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. Bringing unused and expired medications to a Drug Take Back Day collection site protects you, your family, and your community.
National Prescription Take Back Day is a bi-annual event that occurs in the United States to encourage people to safely dispose of their unused or expired prescription drugs. The event is typically held on a Saturday in April and October and is organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and pharmacies. DEA sponsors collection sites throughout the country where medications can be dropped off for proper disposal.
During National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, people can bring their unused or expired prescription drugs to designated collection sites in their communities. These collection sites are staffed by law enforcement officials and volunteers who ensure that the collected drugs are disposed of safely and in an environmentally friendly way. The collected drugs are typically incinerated to prevent any potential harm to the environment or wildlife.
Preparing for Take Back Day on April 22, 2023
If you are planning to participate in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 22, 2023, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
Identify the collection site: You can find the collection site nearest to you by visiting the DEA’s website, which provides a collection site locator tool. Make sure to check the opening and closing times of the collection site before you go.
Gather your unused or expired prescription drugs: Look for any unused or expired prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet or other storage areas in your home. Make sure to collect all of the prescription drugs that you no longer need, including over-the-counter medications.
Liquids must be in their original container. Pet medications are accepted. Vape pens are accepted with the batteries removed. Other e-cigarette devices are accepted with the batteries removed. These batteries are highly flammable. That’s why it is important that the batteries are removed before the pen or device is placed in a collection bin.
Remove personal information: Before you take your prescription drugs to the collection site, remove any personal information from the medication labels or packaging to protect your privacy.
Transport the drugs safely: Make sure to transport your prescription drugs safely to the collection site. You can do this by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and putting the bag in your car’s trunk.
Follow the instructions at the collection site: When you arrive at the collection site, follow the instructions of the staff and volunteers. They will guide you on how to safely deposit your prescription drugs in the designated containers.
Remember that National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an important event that helps keep our communities safe and healthy. By participating, you are helping to prevent drug abuse and ensuring the safe disposal of prescription drug
