The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host the 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide.
Twice a year, DEA joins forces with local law enforcement and community groups to host the effort, a safe and anonymous way to dispose of expired and unused prescription medications, prevent misuse and reduce accidental poisonings.
Take Back Day has been in effect since 2010, but the program started the year before in New Jersey. In the past 16 years, the effort has resulted in the return of more than 20 million pounds of unwanted medications from communities nationwide. New Jersey residents have surrendered more than 444,000 pounds.
Opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine are among the most misused prescription medications, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should be securely sealed in their original container.
Syringes, sharps or illicit drugs are ineligible. To learn more, visit FDA.gov. To find a local Take Back Day location, visit DEATakeBack.com.
