Get rid of those old prescription drugs
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday (Oct. 24)
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration is giving the public a chance to dispose of unwanted, old and unused prescription drugs during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
It’s 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is planned Saturday (Oct. 24) at locations across the country. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications, a DEA press release states.
Local health centers participating in the event are the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at Taos Pueblo, which will be collecting between Oct. 20-27, and Holy Cross Medical Center, at 1397
Weimer Road, which maintains a perennially open drop box outside the hospital for unused or out-of
date medications.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs, the release continues. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea in a statement. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications.”
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores that may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal.
Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharp objects and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit