What is ‘National Prescription Drug Take Back Day’ and How Can I Participate?

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Fairfax County, VA – On Saturday, April 27, FCPD is joining law enforcement agencies across the country to collect and dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs in our communities.

Medications that linger inside medicine cabinets increase risks of misuse, accidental ingestion, and environmental contamination. In response to these challenges, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated the Drug Take Back Program.

What is the DEA’s Drug Take Back Program?

The DEA’s Drug Take Back Program is a nationwide initiative designed to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of prescription medications, particularly controlled substances. The program encourages people to turn in unused or expired medications for proper disposal to prevent their misuse, abuse, or accidental ingestion.

Why is the Program Important?

  • Prevention: Unused medications, especially opioid pain relievers, are susceptible to abuse, contributing to addiction and overdose deaths. By safely disposing of these drugs, the program helps prevent their diversion into illicit markets, reduces the likelihood of substance abuse, and reduces the chances of accidental ingestion.
  • Environmental Protection: Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can lead to contamination of waterways and soil. Proper disposal through the DEA’s program ensures that these substances do not harm the environment or wildlife.
  • Public Safety: Keeping expired or unused medications at home poses risks, especially in households with children or pets. Participating in the ‘Drug Take Back Program’ helps ensure a safer environment by eliminating the potential for accidental ingestion or poisoning.

How Does the Drug Take Back Program Work?

The DEA coordinates with local law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, and other community partners to host periodic drug take back events. During these events, designated collection sites are set up where individuals can anonymously drop off their medications with no questions asked. The collected drugs are then securely transported and disposed of in accordance with federal regulations.

Additionally, some pharmacies and healthcare facilities offer year-round drug disposal options, providing ongoing opportunities for individuals to safely dispose of their medications.

How Can I Participate?

  • Gather Expired/Unused Medications: Go through your medicine cabinets, drawers, and storage areas to identify any expired or unused medications that you no longer need. Ensure that all personal information on prescription labels is either removed or obscured.
  • Drop Off Unwanted Prescriptions at a Collection Site: This Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Fairfax County will be hosting several drug take-back locations listed below:

(For additional locations, please use the DEA’s Collection Site Locator found here)

  • Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family members, and neighbors to participate in the program. The more individuals who take part, the greater the impact on community safety and public health.

This initiative, led by the DEA, educates our community about the potential for abuse of prescription medications while providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means for disposing of unused and expired medication. For more information about the Drug Take Back Initiative, visit https://bit.ly/3PKG0kJ.

Can’t make it to drug take back day?

No problem. You can learn about year-round prescription and over the counter medication disposal locations here. Additionally, Fairfax Health Department has year-round drug disposal options, including a searchable map of drop boxes at police departments, hospitals and pharmacy locations which can be found here.

For more on this and other FCPD news and initiatives, follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.