National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Set for Saturday

OMAHA, Neb. - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in collaboration with more than 4,000 law enforcement partners, will host the 27th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 160 Take Back sites across the five state DEA Omaha Division, encompassing Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, will be open for the public to safely dispose of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain tightly sealed in their original containers to prevent leakage. Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted; however, lithium batteries must be removed. To locate a collection site, visit www.DEATakeBack.com(link is external).

For 15 years, DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided Americans with an easy, accessible way to rid their homes of medicationsthat could pose a threat if misused. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine, are among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications.

"We hope people will take advantage of the beautiful weather expected this Saturday and head to a Take Back location to get rid of their unneeded medications," DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. "But don't stop there. Have a conversation on the importance of prescription safety. Prescriptions should be filled by a licensed pharmacist, only taken by those to whom they're prescribed and used as directed by a trusted medical professional. Doing otherwise can lead to life-threatening consequences."

For those unable to participate in tomorrow's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round. In addition, many police departments provide permanent drop boxes to ensure Every Day is Take Back Day.