Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in association with hundreds of law enforcement, public health and other organizations, conducts this National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Last year, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take-Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds — more than 3,500 tons — of pills.

More than two dozen collection events will take place in Oregon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For details on event locations and times, visit the Drug Enforcement Administration website. You can select events by city, county and zip code.

The collection events help people dispose of drugs in a way that’s safe for both people and the environment. Flushing unwanted drugs down the toilet or drain ends up polluting waterways, as many drugs pass through wastewater treatment filtering systems.

At the April 29 Take-Back events, only prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted. People should not bring needles, IV solutions, mercury thermometers or medical waste. No illegal drugs should be brought to the events.

For people unable to take part in the events, more than 80 law enforcement offices in Oregon accept unwanted and unused drugs throughout the year.

 

Contributed by: Mark Nystrom | AOC Policy Manager