The Drug Enforcement Administration is encouraging Tennesseans to participate in its 23rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Saturday, there will be 95 designated anonymous drop-off locations across the Volunteer State for Tennesseans to dispose of “unneeded medicines stored in the home that are susceptible to misuse and theft,” according to the DEA.
The event is held to “help prevent addiction and reduce poisoning death.”
Acceptable items at the anonymous drop-off locations include tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. The DEA notes that liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain tightly sealed in their original container in order to prevent leakage. Vaping devices and cartridges – provided lithium batteries are removed – will also be accepted at the drop-off locations.
Items that are not accepted at the anonymous drop-off locations include syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs.
DEA Gears Up for National Prescription Drug #TakeBackDay, Saturday, October 29. Anonymously dispose of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.https://t.co/In8LfPBuER pic.twitter.com/jwE9XmVsaG
— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) October 26, 2022
“I encourage everyone across the country to dispose of unneeded medications to help keep our communities safe and healthy,” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement. “The Take Back campaign is part of DEA’s continued efforts to combat the drug poisoning epidemic and protect the safety and health of communities across the United States.”
For those unable to participate in this year’s Drug Take Back Day, the DEA notes that there are “opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of unneeded medications” at prescription disposal locations found at many pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses across the nation. In addition, the DEA notes that many police departments provide year-round drop boxes for disposal of unwanted products as well.
According to the DEA’s Diversion Control Division, 5,606 pounds of discarded medications were obtained at 105 drop-off locations in Tennessee during the 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day back in April.
For a full list of drop-off locations available this Saturday, please visit https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/NTBI/ntbi.do?_flowId=public-lite-flow
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Prescription Bottle” by Towfiqu barbhuiya.
