U.S. Attorney Supports DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will sponsor drop off sites where unused and unneeded prescription drugs can be disposed of by the public at locations all over the United States on Saturday October 22, 2016 from 10 am to 2 pm as part of National Prescription Drugs Take-Back Day, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and DEA Resident Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.  Unused prescription drugs will be accepted at locations across the nation. Tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid dosage forms will be collected.  Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off.

“It is especially important to dispose of unneeded prescription drugs to keep them out of the hands of people who would abuse them and run the risk of becoming addicted. DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient and anonymous way to dispose of unused medications,” said United States Attorney Hartunian.

Last April, during its 11th Take Back Day, the DEA and over 4,200 of its national, tribal, and community law enforcement partners collected 893,498 pounds (about 447 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs at almost 5,400 collection sites.  Since the program began six years ago, about 6.4 million pounds (about 3,200 tons) of drugs have been collected.

Locations where unused prescription can be dropped off may be found at: www.dea.gov and click on the “Got Drugs?” link or call 800-882-9539.