Get rid of old medications safely at Drug Take Back Day

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The DEA’s Phoenix Field Division has 58 registered drop-off locations within Arizona to dispose of unneeded, expired and unused prescription medications. Removing unneeded medications from the home reduces the risk of misuse or accidental ingestion — especially when it comes to prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine.

Over 4,400 collection sites will be set up across the country.

“Since 2010, Take Back Day has helped Americans remove more than 20 million pounds of unneeded medications from their homes,” DEA Administrator Terry Cole said in a press release. “By participating in Take Back Day, you are preventing potentially addictive medications from falling into the wrong hands — a small step that can save lives.”

Tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription medications, as well as liquid medications securely sealed in their original containers, will be collected.

Syringes, sharp objects and illicit drugs will not be collected.

Visit the DEA’s website to find a registered Take Back location near you. Additionally, many pharmacies, hospitals, businesses and police departments offer safe medication disposal drop-offs year-round.

Related

Arizona man sentenced for livestreaming children being sexually abusedInvestigation underway after shooting that involved Tolleson policeWoman found stabbed to death near bus stop in Laveen16-year-old found dead in vehicle after shooting on Loop 101 in Scottsdale areaLight rain moves into Phoenix metro following high winds10-building office campus in Chandler sells for $30.5 million