MADISON, Wis.—April 27, 2022—Prescription drugs can be dangerous when they are used improperly. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is your chance to ensure that doesn't happen with your prescriptions.
An estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffer from an opioid use disorder. Opioids are one of the most widely abused prescription drugs. The National Institutes of Health outlines how addictive opioids are in chilling detail:
“The opioid epidemic has touched every community and neighborhood in our country,” Dr. Jonah Fox, Medical Director at WPS Health Solutions, commented. “Everyone can assist in preventing opioid addiction by participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and removing unneeded medication from their homes.”
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, you can take unused prescription drugs to collection sites across the country. Visit dea.gov/takebackday to locate a collection site near you.
Take Back Days happen twice a year and allow you to dispose of prescription drugs safely and anonymously. It’s a great way to ensure they don’t get misused, lost, or stolen. During the most recent take back day, the Drug Enforcement Administration collected 372 tons of prescription medications.
Accepted items at most locations include:
Some items are not accepted, including:
Check with your local collection sites if you have questions. Visit the Food and Drug Administration website to find out more about how to safely dispose of drugs.
