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Millions of medicine cabinets around the country are filled with unused, expired, and potentially dangerous prescription drugs that – for a variety of reasons – never get taken by the person for whom they were intended.
Often a doctor changes a prescription, or a patient doesn’t finish their meds. Sometimes a patient dies with a medicine cabinet full of pills.
Whatever the reason, these drugs pose a serious threat, both to people, and to the environment.
Too often, they end up flushed down the drain, or tossed into the trash, only to end up in rivers and streams. Or worse, they can end up in the hands of the wrong persons, and are used recreationally – particularly by teenagers.
For many, the dilemma is how to properly dispose of these pills. To this end, the National Take Back Initiative was created by the DEA, in conjunction local law enforcement agencies, to provide a safe – no question’s asked - place to take these drugs.
October 26, 2013 - 10AM to 2PM
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Locate collection sites:
Search by zip code for a collection site near you. Inquiries can also be made at 1-800-882-9539.
Law Enforcement Agencies Only:
For law enforcement agencies that wish to host a collection site please call the POC in your area.
Partnership Toolbox
Download posters, handouts and other materials to promote National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Drug Disposal Information
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