United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN DIEGO – On Saturday, October 26, DEA and its national, tribal and community partners will hold the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the country. The service is free and anonymous.

For the first time, DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges at all National Prescription Drug Take Back Day locations.  It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium ion batteries.

Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and death caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. In an effort to support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially amongst America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances. 

This weekend there will be 38 collection sites operating in San Diego County and four collection sites operating in Imperial County.  All sites will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nationwide, more than 4,500 registered law enforcement partners will assist with more than 5,250 registered sites and 135 tribal locations across the country.  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.)

“Please join us on Saturday at a location near you and be part of the solution to drug abuse, addiction and overdose deaths,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen Flowers. “You can drop off your unused or expired prescription medications and for the first time you can drop off vaping devices and cartridges without batteries. You can help yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors by doubling down and disposing of unwanted medications and vapes! It’s free and anonymous. We are ready to accept your hand and put it on Red for Red Ribbon Week! Winners all around!”

With strong public participation over the course of 17 prior events, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens. DEA has collected a total of more than 11 million pounds (almost 6,000 tons) of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events. Last April, the public turned in 469 tons (937,443pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 6,258 sites operated by the DEA and its 4,969 local and tribal partners. 

For more information about the harms of youth vaping, please visit: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/facts/vaping-what-you-should-know.

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