NATIONAL TAKE-BACK INITIATIVE

September 29, 2012
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

The American people have again responded overwhelmingly to the most recent DEA-led National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. On April 28th, citizens turned in a record-breaking 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,659 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the four Take-Back Days to date are combined, the DEA and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed over 1.5 million pounds (774 tons) of medication from circulation.

"We are pleased at the response of the American people once again, and we thank them for participating and contributing to the battle against prescription drug abuse," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart, who added that 4,268 agencies participated with DEA nationwide in Saturday's event. "While a uniform system for prescription drug disposal is being finalized, we will continue to sponsor these important take-back opportunities as a service to our communities. Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution. These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our state, federal, local, and tribal partners and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts on behalf of the American people."

Search for a collection site near you.

• Inquiries can be made at 1-800-882-9539

Law Enforcement Agencies Only:

• Partnership Toolbox
• For law enforcement agencies that wish to host a collection site please call the POC in your area.

News Releases

• Fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Collects Record 276 Tons (May 3, 2012)
• DEA’s Third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Collects 188.5 Tons (November 3, 2011)
• Another Huge Turnout At DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event (May 06, 2011)
• American Public Overwhelmingly Responds to DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Effort (October 5, 2010)

Additional Resources

• Drug Disposal Information
• FDA – How to Dispose of Unused Medicines
• FDA – Disposal of Unused Medicines