United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS– The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) St. Louis Field Division, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies spanning three states, will host the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 197 drop-off locations will be available across Kansas, Missouri and Southern Illinois for community members to safely and anonymously dispose of unneeded, expired and unused prescription medications.

Nationwide, more than 4,400 collection sites will be set up across the country. Collection locations will accept tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription medications along with liquid medications securely sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted. This simple step of disposing of unneeded medications prevents diversion, reduces the risk of accidental poisonings, and helps protect communities.

“Take Back Day provides families with an opportunity to sit down together and discuss the importance of keeping prescription medications safe and secure,” DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer said. “As you run errands around town Saturday morning, consider dropping off the leftover, unused medications you no longer need. The ones left sitting unattended in a cabinet or drawer. Set an example for others in your community while also making your home a safer place.”

To find a registered Take Back location near you visit www.DEATakeBack.com. Those unable to participate in the October 24 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are encouraged to locate one of more than 15,300 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes to ensure Every Day is Take Back Day.

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