(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are urging residents to safely dispose of prescription drugs during the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which will take place across the country on Saturday.
Ohioans can dispose of any unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription medications at hundreds of locations across the state on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of prescription drug disposal. Unused prescription drugs in homes create a public health and safety concern because the medications can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused, and abused.
"When prescription drugs, especially opiates, fall into the wrong hands, they can be extremely dangerous and even deadly," said Attorney General DeWine. "That's why we are urging Ohioans to take some time to sort through their medicine cabinets tonight and safely dispose of any unneeded medications at a nearby take-back location tomorrow."
“This is a free, anonymous program. Turn in your unused, unwanted, unneeded medicine, no questions asked,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon.
Earlier this month, Attorney General DeWine, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services sent a letter to law enforcement agencies reminding them to take part in this important event.
There will be more than 225 collection sites throughout the state. A list of collection sites in Ohio can be found on the DEA's website.
According to the DEA, nine previous nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events have removed more than 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons, of prescription drugs from circulation.
Only pills and other solid prescriptions, such as patches, can be disposed of at a collection site. Liquids and needles will not be accepted.
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Media Contacts:
AGO: Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
AGO: Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840
DEA: Mark McHugh: 614-255-4192