The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) held its 27th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 26, a nationwide initiative that encourages the safe and anonymous disposal of unused and expired prescription drugs.
The initiative was represented at more than 4,100 collection sites across the country, including local law- enforcement agencies, pharmacies and community centers.
Take-Back Day has become a resource for those who want to rid their homes of potentially dangerous medications that could be misused or lead to accidental poisonings. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasized the importance of the program.
“Disposing of unneeded medications helps us protect the safety and health of our communities,” she said. “Families can minimize the risk of medications falling into the wrong hands by simply bringing unused medications to one of our drop-off locations.”
The DEA collaborates with more than 4,000 law-enforcement partners and has organized the event for 15 years. According to the Maryland-based Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine are among the most frequently misused drugs in the country.
Local participation in the initiative also has been strong, according to Voorhees police officer Joshua Cramer.
“This event is run by the DEA with participation from local law enforcement,” he explained. “We collected about 50 pounds of unused or expired medication this year, which is on track with previous years. The DEA will complete a tally and then release those numbers on their website.”
Cramer highlighted the importance of a secure method for individuals to dispose of unused meds.
“In my honest opinion, it’s a good program and gives individuals a secure procedure to dispose of medications and ease their minds about the security of that,” he remarked.
During Take-Back Day, the DEA and its partners accepted prescription drugs that also included tablets, capsules and patches. Certain items were prohibited, including syringes, sharps, illicit drugs, and liquid products, which need to be sealed in their original containers. Vaping devices and cartridges were accepted as long as the lithium batteries were removed.
During Take-Back Day in the spring, the DEA and its partners collected 335 tons of unused medications, for a staggering total of 9,285 tons over the last 15 years. For those who missed the October event, there are year-round options.
“… There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal throughout the year,” Cramer noted. “In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes to ensure Every Day is Take-Back Day.”
The initative is not only meant to remove medications from homes, but to foster community awareness about the risks associated with improper disposal. Cramer pointed out that the police department would likely join the DEA in other programs and initiatives.
For more information about future Take-Back Days or to locate a permanent medication disposal site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
