Many homes end up with unwanted or expired prescription medications, including controlled substances. Getting rid of them can help prevent the misuse or abuse of these drugs.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has coordinated drug take-back events across the country Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Consumers are encouraged to use this opportunity to safely and legally dispose of any unneeded pills, including controlled substance medications, as these pills can only be accepted for disposal when law enforcement is present.

The DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day collection site locator allows consumers to search for a convenient location to dispose of unneeded medications. New locations will be added until Sept. 29. Click here to find a site.

The take-back service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. Sites will accept tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms of unwanted medication. Personal information may be blacked out on prescription bottles, or medications may be emptied from the bottles into the bins provided at the events.

Consumers disposed of 1.5 million pounds (774 tons) of unwanted medication during the first four DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days. During the fourth DEA take-back event on April 28, 4,268 partners provided 5,695 take-back sites across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Click here to learn more about safe medication disposal.

-Story by DPH Communications