DEA sets date for 2015 Drug Take-Back event

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The DEA announced on Tuesday that the 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back will take place across the United States on Sept. 26 — except for in Pennsylvania and Delaware where the event will take place on Sept. 12. As with previous events, sites will be set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can return their unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.  



Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov.



According to the DEA, many Americans are not aware that medicines that remain in the home are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.



“Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem and this is a great opportunity for folks around the country to help reduce the threat,” DEA acting administrator Chuck Rosenberg said.  "Please clean out your medicine cabinet and make your home safe from drug theft and abuse.”



In the previous nine Take-Back events nationwide from 2010-2014, 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons of drugs were collected.