National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year to help communities across the country safely dispose of their unused medications. At a time when individuals and families are seeking ways to properly dispose of their unused medications, these two dates present a unique opportunity to take action.
Too often, home medicine cabinets play a role in potential addiction. By safely disposing of unused prescription medications, we can all help prevent a child, loved one or friend from misusing medicines that were not prescribed to them.
In 2017, there were more than 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S.¹
This past April, Americans helped DEA collect more than 925,000 lbs of unused medicines.²
Join the effort this year by properly disposing of unused medications at a drop off site.
Visit takebackday.dea.gov to find a location near you.
Can’t make it to a drop off location? You can safely dispose of your medications right at home:
SAFE DISPOSAL AT HOME
-
Mix your unused medicines with a household substance like kitty litter or coffee grounds in an airtight container. Seal the container and you can dispose of it in the trash.
-
Use a drug disposal pouch—available from many RALI partners. After adding your unused medicines into the pouch, pour in water, seal, and throw it away in the garbage.