Learn how you can safely dispose of expired and unwanted medications, and why it matters
National Prescription Drug Takeback Day is this Saturday, October 28 when thousands of pharmacies, grocery stores, medical centers, police/fire stations, and hospitals across the country will be collecting unused prescription drugs at drop-off locations.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts the annual event twice a year, and provides safe disposal of prescription drugs.
More than 11-million pounds of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications have been collected at National Take Back Day events at more than 6,000 locations nationwide.
Help reduce drug abuse and water pollution
The DEA efforts aim to reduce the rates of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisonings from medications stolen by friends and family from the home medicine cabinet.
The effort also keeps narcotics, depressants, and stimulants out of the water and waste streams where they can leave toxic residues that end up in drinking water when flushed down toilets or put in the trash.
Find a drop-off location
Find a safe, convenient location for disposing of prescription drugs, and keep toxic medications out of our water and waste streams.
Takeback Day Collections: In the Kansas City metro area, there are more than 80 drop-off locations available on Saturday with collection drives from 10 am to 2 pm. To find a location near you, go to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)and enter your zip code.
Year-Round Collections: Many pharmacies now have permanent year-round collection boxes including CVS, Hyvee, and Walgreens locations. If you are looking for year-round drug disposal, enter your zip code to find an authorized collection site near you.
In addition to these authorized collections, some counties will accept prescription drugs during household hazardous waste collection days.
If none of these options are available where you live, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends mixing drugs with coffee grounds or cat litter, and putting it in a sealed container before placing it in the trash.