Taking Back Unused or Expired Medication April 24, 2021 at Several Locations

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Inquiries can be made to the DEA at 1-800-882-9539

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 24th, 2021
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

San José, CA - On Saturday, April 24th, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the San José Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over the counter drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the sites listed below (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches). The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last fall, Americans turned in 460 tons (more than 900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in almost 11 million pounds more than 5,500 tons of pills. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash both pose potential safety and health hazards. 

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the next upcoming Take Back Day event, go to the www.DEATakeBack.com. 

 

 

You may also visit the DEA website to search for additional locations.