DEA Hosts the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24th
More than 250 collection sites are available around the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with more than 4,300 law enforcement partners, will host the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More than 4,400 collection sites will be set up across the country to dispose of unneeded, expired, and unused prescription medications. This is a simple step that prevents diversion, reduces the risk of accidental poisonings, and helps protect communities.
“Since 2010, Take Back Day has helped Americans remove more than twenty million pounds of unneeded medications from their homes,” said DEA Administrator Terry Cole. “By participating in Take Back Day, you are preventing potentially addictive medications from falling into the wrong hands – a small step that can save lives. I am grateful to the thousands of law enforcement and community partners who make these events possible, and I urge everyone to take a few minutes on Saturday, October 24, to clean out your medicine cabinets.”
Cindy Marx, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Division, mentioned that “We are profoundly grateful to our local, state, federal and community partners for their remarkable support in collecting over 31,500 pounds of materials from 332 locations across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia this past April. This dynamic collaboration is essential in reaching more communities and making significant progress toward a safer, healthier life for everyone. The Take Back initiative thrives on community involvement, and I warmly invite everyone to bring any expired or unused medications to nearby collection sites. You can even include vape pens and cartridges, just remember to remove the batteries first. Proper disposal is crucial to prevent misuse and ensure these items don’t end up in the wrong hands.”
What will be collected:
Tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription medications
Liquid medications securely sealed in their original containers
What won’t be collected
Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs
Why it matters
Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Removing unneeded medications from the home reduces the risk of misuse or accidental ingestion.
Visit www.DEATakeBack.com to find a registered Take Back location near you. If you are unable to participate in this fall’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are 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.
