Medication Take-Back Day Nets Over 188 Tons

Americans participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 29 turned in more than 188.5 tons of unwanted or expired medications for safe disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites available in all the states and U.S. territories. When the results of the three Take-Back Days are combined, the DEA and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed nearly 1 million pounds (498.5 tons) of medication from circulation.

“The amount of prescription drugs turned in by the American public during the past three Take-Back Day events speaks volumes about the need to develop a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs,” said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, who noted that these three events have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription-drug diversion and abuse.

For more about the history of federal efforts to create safe methods for disposing of prescription drugs, particularly those susceptible to diversion and abuse, see Psychiatric News.

(Image: DEA)