Every year, millions of pounds of unused or expired prescription drugs are flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash. This improper disposal can create serious public health and safety risks, including contaminated water supplies and accidental poisonings. Thankfully, there’s an easy and safe way to get rid of unwanted medications: The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day!
What is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day?
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a semi-annual event organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. It provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of prescription drugs you no longer need.
Why is Take Back Day Important?
There are several reasons why Take Back Day is an important initiative for our communities.
First, Take Back Day helps prevent drug addiction and misuse. Prescription drugs, particularly opioids, can be addictive when not used as prescribed. Take Back Day helps prevent misuse by providing a safe way to dispose of unwanted medications. Imagine an individual grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer. The days and weeks after their passing is a deeply emotional time, and their leftover opioid pain medications could be a dangerous temptation. Take Back Day offers a safe and responsible way to dispose of these unused medications, reducing the risk of accidental misuse or addiction during this vulnerable period. A report by the Office of National Drug Control Policy shows that over 70% of prescription pain medication misuse comes from drugs obtained from friends or family.
Take back programs can also help protect the environment. Flushing medications or throwing them in the trash can contaminate our water supplies and harm wildlife. Take Back Day ensures medications are disposed of properly.
Furthermore, take back programs promote safety. Expired or unused medications can be dangerous, especially for children and pets. For instance, some medications can grow bacteria after the expiration date, which can cause illnesses. Take Back Day provides a safe way to remove these hazards from your home.
How to Participate in Take Back Day
Participating in Take Back Day is easy! Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do:
- Gather your unwanted medications: Look through your medicine cabinet and collect any expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs.
- Find a collection site near you: Use the DEA’s Take Back Day collection site finder to locate a convenient drop-off location in your area.
- Take your medications to the collection site: On Take Back Day, bring your medications to the designated collection site. Officials will be on hand to anonymously collect your medications for safe disposal.
Missed the most recent Take Back Day? Military pharmacies will often offer mail-in envelopes or secure receptacles as options year-round.
What Medications Can I Take Back?
Take Back Day accepts most medications, including:
- Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- Pills, tablets, capsules
- Ointments
- Creams
- Lotions
- Powders
- Liquid medicines (no more than 4 oz (about 118.29 ml)
- Pain relievers (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone)
Note: Take Back Day does not accept illegal drugs, aerosol spray cans, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, needles, syringes or sharps containers, trash, mercury thermometers, batteries, chemicals, home-based care or durable medical equipment supplies.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a simple but important way to keep our communities safe and healthy. Along with the DEA-sponsored take back programs, there are also drug take back events organized by local law enforcement throughout the year that you can participate in, so keep an eye out for opportunities in your area. By properly disposing of your unwanted medications, you can help prevent addiction, protect the environment, and promote safety in your home.
