Sunday, April 24, 2011

National Take-Back Initiative on April 30: Dispose of unused/unwanted prescription drugs

Last September, the DEA partnered up with local agencies to take back unused and unwanted prescription drugs.  The purpose of the National Take-Back Initiative was to provide a safe, no questions asked way for people to dispose of their unwanted or unneeded medicines, since so many people are averse to just flushing them down the toilet.  Disposing of medicine can be tricky business (I myself have used the coffee ground method), and keeping these old drugs hanging out in your medicine cabinet can lead others, especially teens, to being tempted to take them since you're unlikely to notice any missing from an old prescription.

On April 30, there is another National Take-Back Initiative because the one last September was so successful.  The DOJ site states that, "All told, the American Public turned in more than 121 tons of pills on this first National Take Back Day."  Wow, that's a lot of medication! 

Mark your calendar for April 30 from 10 AM - 2 PM to participate.  You can take your unused/unwanted medications to designated drop off points.  You'll need to search for one nearest to you.  I searched for a designated collection point last fall, and there were none within 35 miles of me.  This time around, there's one much closer, with new sites being added often. 

Remember, taking your old medicine to a collection point is free.  It's also green since you won't be putting them down the drain.  They will be safely discarded and you can rest easy knowing that potentially dangerous drugs won't fall into the wrong hands.

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