Updated: 10:29 PM CDT Apr 21, 2021
WVTM 13 Digital
The DEA's 20th annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be taking place this Saturday, April 24! Take Back Day is a bi-annual event that "aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications."People will be able to drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at collection sites across the state from 10am to 2pm on Saturday. Find the nearest drop-off site here.The following items will be accepted: tablets, capsules, patches, solid forms of prescription drugs, vaping devices (with batteries removed) and cartridges.Liquids, syringes, sharp objects and illegal drugs will not be accepted.All locations will be manned by local law enforcement agencies due to the presence of controlled substances. All collection sites will also adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines.“The rate of prescription drug abuse in the United States is alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley. “Unfortunately, these prescription drugs are most often obtained from friends and family, who leave them in home medicine cabinets. Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction rates and overdose deaths plaguing this country. Please do your part to keep these drugs off the streets and help spread awareness in your community.” During the DEA's October 2020 Take Back Day, close to 500 tons of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs were turned in across the country and 7,411 pounds were collected in Alabama.Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.