National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Thursday, October 26, 2017

This Saturday, Oct. 28, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, where you can turn in your unused or expired prescription medication at safe disposal sites from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

With drug overdoses being the No. 1 cause of accident-related deaths in Indiana and the United States, we are faced with a crisis that is destroying lives and damaging our communities.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently conducted a study that found an estimated 18.9 million people misused prescription drugs in the past year, with more than 50 percent of people getting them from family or friends, often from the medicine cabinet.

In order to keep unwanted and expired medicine out of the hands of drug abusers, the Indiana State Police has partnered with Drug Enforcement Administration to promote safe drug disposal practices in Indiana. By having these locations, Hoosiers can now feel comfortable that their excess prescription drugs can be disposed of safely and legally.

Some disposal sites do not accept liquid medication. Remember to never flush the down the sink or drain and do not give or sell medicine to family or friends. In order to safely dispose of expired or unwanted liquid medication, you should:

  1. Add sawdust, cat litter, or flour to the original container;
  2. Remove the label from the prescription bottle or completely mark out all patient information;
  3. Put the lid back on the container tightly and put it in a heavy-duty sealed bag to keep the medicine from leaking; and
  4. Put the sealed bag in your trash so that it is not visible to prevent unintended use or contact.

Pharmaceutical waste is a risk to human health and the environment if disposed of improperly. For more information on disposing unwanted medication, visit http://www.in.gov/idem/recycle/2343.htm.

Click here to find a drop-off location near you.