National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a safe and easy way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.
Arkansas is #2 in the nation for over-prescribing opioid drugs, at 114.6 prescriptions per 100 people. The average across the country is 66.5 per 100 people. Since 2000, deaths involving opioids have increased by 200% in the U.S. Most of these drugs came from family and friends. They often came from a home medicine cabinet.
Unused medicines like opioids and others should be disposed of properly, as soon as possible. That's why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is again partnering with local law enforcement for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 22, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Why Take Back Medicines?
Reduce Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the country. The abuse of these drugs by teens often causes medical emergencies or deadly overdoses. Most abusers get the drugs from a friend or family member – not from a drug dealer. A safe drug take-back program gets dangerous leftover drugs out of our homes.
Avoid Poisoning Accidents
Unwanted medicines left in the home endanger our children, seniors and pets. Poisonings from prescription and over-the-counter medicines are rising. Getting rid of unwanted medicines at a take-back program makes your home safer.
Protect the Environment
The way we dispose of unused drugs can hurt our environment. Drugs thrown in the trash may be used by others, and can still get into the environment. Returning unused medicines to a take-back program is the only safe way to get rid of them.
What You Can Take Back
These items may be returned:
- prescription medicines
- over-the-counter medicines
- vitamins
- pet medicines
- medicated ointments and lotions
- inhalers
- liquid medicines in glass or leak-proof containers (up to 12 ounces)
- medicine samples
These items may not be returned:
- needles, lancets, or syringes
- thermometers
- aerosol cans
- empty containers
- bloody or infectious waste
- personal care products (i.e., non-medicated shampoo)
- hydrogen peroxide
- business waste
There are several drop-off locations for Drug Take Back Day. There are also over 200 permanent drop box locations throughout the state every day. Most are available to securely dispose of medications 24/7.
Find A Collection Site Near YouFor more information and resources, visit https://artakeback.org or https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/.
