What to Expect on DEA Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts Drug Take Back Day twice a year. It’s a great opportunity to safely dispose of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. Plus, it’s easy and free!
Getting rid of unused and expired medication can lower the risk of accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. This helps keep your home and community safe.
Visit the FDA’s website here for more information about Drug Take Back Day.
We understand this can seem overwhelming. So, here’s how it works and what you can expect:
- Anonymously Dispose of Your Medication: Each drop-off center will have a labeled disposal bin. Simply place your medications in the bin. No one will know who you are or what medication you dispose of.
- No Appointment Needed: Just show up on Drug Take Back Day at your drop-off center with your expired or unused medications.
- Get Your Medications Ready: Set aside time to sort through your medications before Drug Take Back Day begins. This will help ensure you bring everything you want to dispose of.
- Find a Drop-Off Location: Click here to locate one near you. If you can’t find one online, call your local pharmacy and they can help. Common drop-off centers include pharmacies, police stations, and community centers.
Most hospitals, pharmacies, and police stations will collect your unused medication year-round. Click here to find one near you. Be sure to check their hours. Some may only collect during business hours while others have drop-off bins available all day, every day.
A healthcare professional will collect everything in the bin to properly dispose of all the medication dropped off after the event ends.
If you’re unsure of how to dispose of a medication and would like to speak to a pharmacist, give us a call at 1-877-355-7225.
