DEA holds 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is conducting its 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, encouraging Americans to dispose of unused or expired medications at thousands of collection sites. The event aims to prevent medication misuse, accidental poisoning, and the diversion of prescription drugs.

Collection sites offer free and anonymous drop-offs, requiring no identification. Participants can turn in various forms of medication, including tablets, capsules, ointments, and liquids. However, sharps and syringes are generally not accepted due to safety risks. To protect privacy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends scratching out personal information on medicine labels before disposal.

For those unable to participate in the specific event, the DEA maintains a directory of authorized year-round collectors. Permanent disposal options include collection boxes at participating pharmacies and law enforcement facilities, as well as prepaid mail-back envelopes provided by some pharmacies for use with the U.S. Postal Service.