U.S. Attorney Encourages Participation in DEA's 19th Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Fairview Heights, Ill. - U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft called on everyone in the district to
safely dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription drugs by participating in Prescription
Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Organized by the DEA,
the nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of
prescription medications, while also educating the public about the dangers of prescription drug
abuse.

“If you have old bottles of pills sitting on a shelf or in a drawer in your house, this is a great
opportunity to get rid of them the right way,” said U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft. “Simply throwing them
in the trash or flushing them down the drain can harm the environment and pollute our water supply,
while keeping them around can put loved ones at risk. If we all do our part, we can make sure these
medications are properly and safely destroyed.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of
accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused
prescrip ion  drugs  are  obtained  from  family  and  friends,  including  from the  home medicine
cabinet.

“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,”
said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly
susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused,
and expired prescription medications.”

Collection  sites  can  be  located  by  visiting https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.

All sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations
in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. DEA and its partners
will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. Vape pens or other e-cigarette
devices must have their batteries removed. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers
can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for
proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal
drugs cannot be dropped off.

This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

In addition to DEA’s 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be
disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. DEA
also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any
permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community. There are also other safe ways
to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave your home. For more information,
see https://www.fda.gov/drugs/ensuring-safe-use-medicine/safe-disposal-medicines.

More information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can be found by visiting
www.deatakeback.com.