United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN FRANCISCO – With exceptional public participation during16 prior events, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to collect increasing amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they may be vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse. In continuation of this effort, DEA and its national, tribal and community partners will hold the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the country on Saturday, April 27. The service is free and anonymous.

Now in its ninth year, DEA San Francisco Division has collected a total of approximately 233 tons of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications from Northern California and Central Valley residents through its Take Back Day events. This weekend, nearly 140 collection sites manned by nearly 90 partner law enforcement agencies will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time from Bakersfield to the Northern California border. The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.)

“Prescription drugs in the home are susceptible to diversion and misuse. Take Back Day provides a free and anonymous opportunity to dispose of unwanted medication in an environmentally safe manner,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen. “By participating in this event you are making your home and our community safer.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The majority of prescription drug abusers say they obtain their drugs free from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet.

National Take Back Day has received enthusiastic public support since its inception in 2010. Last October, nationwide the public turned in 457 tons (914,236 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,800 of its local and tribal partners. 

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