ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT Take back vapes and prescription drugs at statewide event

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’s 18th Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Oct. 26 at various locations throughout the state.

“Arkansans are prescribed opioids at a rate of 62 pills per every man, woman and child in the state. With such an influx of pills, half of Arkansas teens report it is easy to obtain prescription drugs from their parents’ or grandparents’ medicine cabinets,” the Arkansas attorney general’s office said in a news release.

New this year, e-cigarette devices and vape pens will be accepted.

“This statewide event has a goal to collect 30,000 pounds to emphasize the importance for Arkansans to safely dispose of old and unused prescription medications and e-cigarette devices while ensuring these drugs stay out of the hands of addicted Arkansans,” the release said.

“We lose too many Arkansans to opioid addiction and too many teens are addicted to vaping,” Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said in the release. “Working with law enforcement officials, Arkansans can safely clear out old medications and trash dangerous vape products their kids are using.”

The following will be accepted at these events across Arkansas: opioids, such as OxyContin, Hydrocodone and Vicodin; e-cigarette and vaping devices; stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and Dexedrine; depressants, such as Ativan, Xanax and Valium; other prescription medications; over-the-counter medicines; vitamins; pet medicines; medicated ointments and lotions; inhalers; liquid medicines in glass or leakproof containers, up to 12 ounces; and medicine samples.

Medications may be returned in the original bottle or in any other container for increased privacy.

Prescription Drug Take Back locations will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are held twice a year, but to find event sites and year-round drop-off locations near you, visit ARTakeBack.org.

“Properly destroying these medications also protects the environment. Medicines that are flushed or poured down the drain can end up polluting waters, which could contaminate food and water supplies. Wastewater treatment plants or septic systems may not remove many medicine compounds. Turning over these medications at Take Back Day events also reduces the risk of accidental poisonings by children, seniors or pets, as well as the danger of drug abuse,” the release said.

Call the attorney general’s office at 800-482-8982, email consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visit http://www.ArkansasAG.gov for more information.