Communities Nationwide Turn In Nearly 630,000 Pounds of Unneeded Medications on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

SEATTLE - On Oct. 26, DEA and over 4,400 law enforcement partners collected nearly 630,000 pounds of unused medications at 4,600 locations nationwide. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps to prevent drug misuse before it starts.

Since its inception, DEA's National Prescription Take Back Day has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across our country.

The DEA Seattle Field Division, which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, collected 17,062 pounds of unneeded prescription medication.

Washington: 5,726 pounds

Oregon: 1,534 pounds

Idaho: 6,698 pounds

Alaska: 3,104 pounds

The collection was possible with the help of 114 law enforcement partners at 121 collections sites.

According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the majority of people who misuse prescription medication for a non-medical purpose got that medication from a family member or friend.

DEA continues to expand opportunities to make safe disposal of medications more accessible nationwide. There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal every single day of the year. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes. To find a year-round drop off location, visit Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov.

Complete results for DEA's fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at Take Back Day.

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