Washington – April 30 will mark the second annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies.
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time, consumers will be able to drop off expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at community collection sites. DEA hopes the program will help prevent pill abuse and theft. The service is free and anonymous.
According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more Americans misuse and abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, hallucinogens and heroin combined. Accidental poisonings and overdoses also are on the rise. The majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from friends and family.
The survey also found that many people do not know safe ways to properly dispose of prescription drugs, so they either throw them directly in the garbage or flush them down the toilet, potentially creating health and safety hazards.
Collection sites can be located by searching on DEA’s website or calling (800) 882-9539.
