DEA hosting spring Take Back Day event for unwanted medications

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration encourages area residents to safely dispose of expired and unused prescription medications during their upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The DEA will join forces with local law enforcement agencies and community groups at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide during the 30th Take Back Day event, to be held Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to the DEA: “By getting rid of unnecessary medications in the home, families can help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental poisonings.” Now in its 16th year, the bi-annual Take Back Day events provide an easy and accessible way to dispose of medications, resulting in the removal of more than 20 million pounds of unwanted medications.

The DEA and law enforcement partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should be securely sealed in their original container. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be collected.

Find the nearest Take Back Day location to you, or find information on sites where you can take unwanted medications any time, by visiting www.deatakeback.com.