U.S. Attorney encourages participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Oct. 24

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores wants Oklahomans to know how to rid their homes of unused and unwanted medications. Saturday, Oct. 24, starting at 10 a.m., the public can take those prescriptions to a DEA National Drug Take Back location in northeastern Oklahoma.

The DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

“Properly discarding old medications is not only smart, it can be lifesaving. Fortunately, the Drug Enforcement Administration is making it easier for all of us to safely dispose of these unused and expired medications, helping to protect friends and loved ones who may end up misusing them,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I appreciate the DEA and our law enforcement, business and community partners, who have teamed up to provide this important public service.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”

Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. Collection sites in the Northern District of Oklahoma include:

• DEA Tulsa- MET Recycling Center, 3495 South Sheridan, Tulsa
• Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD)- Walgreens Pharmacy, 1438 N. Lewis Avenue, Tulsa
• OBNDD- Walgreens Pharmacy, 1438 N. Lewis Avenue, Tulsa
• OBNDD- Reasor’s, 4909 E. 41st Street, Tulsa
• OBNDD- Reasor’s 7114 S. Sheridan, Tulsa
• OBNDD- Reasor’s 3915 S. Peoria Ave, Tulsa
• Broken Arrow Police Department- Walmart Neighborhood Market, 1300 E. Albany St., Broken Arrow
• Sand Spring Police Department- 602 W. Morrow Road, Sand Springs
• Miami Police Department- 129 5th Avenue Northwest, Miami
• Miami Tribal Police Department, 3410 P. Street Northwest, Miami

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.

In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.

DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.

For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com