National Prescription Take-Back Day Safely Removes Unused Medications from Local Homes

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tomorrow, Northern Florida residents can join citizens across the nation in safely and anonymously disposing of their unused, unneeded, or expired prescription medications, announced United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova.

In partnership with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, the United States Attorney’s Office invites Northern Floridians to bring their potentially dangerous, unwanted medicines to one of more than 5,000 collection sites around the country.  This service is free of charge, with no questions asked.

Approximately 22 drop-off locations are available from Pensacola to Jacksonville.  To find a nearby collection site, visit www.dea.gov, click on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and enter a nearby zip code into the search window.  Residents can also call 800-882-9539.  Only pills and other solids, such as patches, will be accepted.  Do not bring liquids, needles, or other sharp objects to take-back sites.

America is currently experiencing an epidemic of addiction, overdose, and death due to prescription drug abuse, particularly opioid painkillers.  Consumers may be uncertain of the proper disposal method and may flush drugs down the toilet or throw them away, causing safety or environmental hazards.  Many people are unaware that medicines left in storage are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, abuse, and theft.  Take-Back Day is also a great opportunity to educate children on the dangers of obtaining pharmaceuticals for illicit use.

For more information about properly disposing of unused medicines, visit the United States Food and Drug Administration website.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, amy.alexander@usdoj.gov