Keep Our Communities Safe

Participate in Drug Take Back Day on October 26

Last October, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collected nearly 600,000 pounds of unneeded medications from almost 5,000 Drug Take Back Day locations nationwide. Since its inception, the DEA has removed a total of 18.5 million pounds of unused prescription medications. This initiative plays a critical role in promoting the safe disposal of medications, helping to prevent accidental poisoning and medication misuse. 

 

This year, Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, October 26, providing an opportunity for community members to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at designated drop-box locations. 

 

“The best way to participate is by going through your old medications, checking expiration dates, and finding out where medication drop-boxes are located near you,” says Kylie Hunter, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident. 

 

Why Use a Medication Drop-Box? 

Drop-boxes offer a safe and secure way to dispose of medications, ensuring they don’t end up in the wrong hands or harm the environment. Available year-round at hospitals, clinics, and police stations, these drop-boxes make it easy to dispose of medications safely, not just on Drug Take Back Day. Aspirus Health has drop-boxes located at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Aspirus Medford Hospital, along with many others throughout the community and across the United States. 

 

Safe Home Disposal Methods 

While drop-boxes are the safest option, they may not always be accessible to everyone. In such cases, safe home disposal methods can be utilized. 

 

Some medications can be flushed, but it’s crucial to verify this first. “Check the package insert or consult your pharmacist. You can also visit the CDC’s website for their ‘flush list,’” advises Hunter. 

 

For medications that shouldn’t be flushed, mix them with undesirable substances like coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt, seal them in a plastic bag, and remove any personal information from the packaging. 

 

For used needles or syringes, place them in a sturdy plastic container, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle, seal it, and label it as “syringes” before discarding it in the trash. 

 

Protecting Communities Year-Round 

“It’s important to remember that you don’t have to wait until Drug Take Back Day to dispose of your medications. In fact, you can do it any day of the year,” says Hunter.  

 

Proper medication disposal helps prevent accidental poisoning, reduces the risk of medication misuse, and protects the environment. Taking a few minutes to dispose of medications the right way can make a big difference in keeping our communities safe. 

 

For more information on safe medication disposal and to find a drop-box near you, visit dea.gov/takebackday.

 

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