United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW ORLEANS – 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 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, October 25. 

At nearly 4,000 collection sites throughout the United States, 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.”

“The risk posed by unused prescription medications isn’t just a national problem, it’s a threat to our homes and communities across the New Orleans Division. Prescription Drug Take Back Day gives us all an easy, anonymous way to be part of the solution,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “Every pill collected is a potential life saved and one less opportunity for misuse or accidental poisoning. I strongly encourage everyone to clear out their medicine cabinets this Saturday and join the DEA and our law enforcement partners in protecting our friends, family, and neighbors.”

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 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.