United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW YORK –The Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the country, will host the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

At nearly 4,000 collection sites throughout the United States, 122 collection sites in New York State, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day encourages Americans to safely and anonymously dispose of unnecessary, expired, and unused prescription medications to help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental overdoses and poisonings. 

“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.”

“Every year, Take Back Day provides the public with a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused, unwanted and/or expired medications while raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “By cleaning out our medicine cabinets and safely disposing of these medications, we’re helping to keep our homes and communities safe. Every pill we collect represents one less opportunity for misuse, addiction, or unexpected tragedy. DEA New York remains committed to working with our local law enforcement partners, community partners, and people like you, in collecting these unwanted prescription medications. Together, we can make a difference, protect our neighbors, and save lives.”

Since 2010, Take Back Day has provided Americans with an easy, accessible way to rid their homes of medications that could pose a threat if misused – resulting in a staggering 20 million pounds of unused medications collected to date.                        

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be collected. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should be securely sealed in their original container. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications. 

For more information or to find a location nearest to you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.   

If you are unable to participate in this National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are nearly 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses, in addition to many police departments, that offer safe medication disposal year-round. For information on permanent drop boxes, please visit Every Day is Take Back Day.

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