COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s 22nd National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day begins Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Disposing of unneeded medications can help prevent drugs from being misused,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Overdose deaths continue to hit tragic record highs. I encourage everyone to dispose of unneeded prescription medications now.” 

Over 4,000 local drop-off locations across the country participate in this bi-annual event where unneeded medications can be dropped off anonymously for free.

Each day, more than 290 people die from drug overdoses, an increase of 16 percent in the last year. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that most people who misuse prescription medications obtain them from family and friends.

“Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 15 million pounds of medication from circulation since its inception. In October of 2021, we collected nearly 23,000 pounds of unwanted prescription medication in Michigan,” said DEA Columbus Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michelle Spahn.

There is a location finder and partner toolbox available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to April 30 collection sites.

More than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and businesses offer receptacles all year round. In addition, with the passage of the DUMP Opioids Act in 2021, the public can now dispose of controlled substance prescription medications via drop boxes at Veterans Administration medical centers.