United States Drug Enforcement Administration

PHOENIX – DEA announces the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back will be held April 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time. Sites will be set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can anonymously return their unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.) 

Arizona’s collection sites are listed at www.DEATakeBack.gov, with new locations added regularly. Currently, over 59 state, local and tribal police departments are providing a record 96 collection points state-wide, a significant increase over the previous year, and highest-ever number of sites in Arizona. Nationally, over 5,800 sites supported by 4,800 law enforcement partners across the country will be collecting unused medications.

“Through the semi-annual National Take Back Initiative, the DEA is committed to reducing the supply of excess prescription drugs as part of our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic,” said DEA Phoenix Division Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. “We must work together as a community to curb the onset of addiction from beginning within our own homes and impede the ability of the cartels to continue to profit from this crisis.”

The National Prescription Drug Take Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarming, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Many abused prescription drugs are obtained through family and friends, as well as from the home medicine cabinet. Some do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

Cumulatively in Arizona, over 156,163 pounds, or over 78 tons have been collected since the inception of the program. Nationally, DEA has collected nearly 11 million pounds since 2010. 

# # #