Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue and proper disposal of unused drugs can save lives and protect the environment. Many Colorado cities will help residents safely dispose of unused and expired prescription medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24. The service is in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and is free to the public with no questions asked.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was initiated through the Drug Disposal Act, which encourages the public and private entities to collect unused medications in a secure and convenient manner. With a focus on medications, cities cannot accept needles and sharps, mercury (thermometers), oxygen containers, chemotherapy/radioactive substances, pressurized canisters or illicit drugs.
According to Drug Enforcement Administration, “The U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12-month period ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in a 12-month period.” By participating in the prescription drug take back day, Americans are safely disposing of medications that could contribute to the increase of this statistic.
The Take Back Day initiative has received over 6,842 tons of prescription drugs since its inception. Just last fall, Americans turned in over 985,000 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 4,600 sites across the United States with the help of over 4,100 state and local law enforcement partners.
In case you cannot attend, the FDA provides information on how to properly dispose of prescription drugs. For more information visit their website at Take Back Day.