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Residents with unused or expired medications in their homes can dispose of them safely Saturday, Oct. 24, as local police departments participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The nationwide event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and provides a free, anonymous way to dispose of medications that could otherwise be misused, accidentally ingested or improperly discarded.
The DEA coordinates the event twice a year with local law enforcement agencies. This month's event marks the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, with more than 4,400 collection sites planned nationwide.
Since the program began in 2010, more than 21 million pounds of medications have been collected across the country, according to the DEA.
Expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications may be surrendered to law enforcement officers for destruction. Vitamins will not be accepted.
Farmers Branch: Farmers Branch police officers will collect unused, unwanted and expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walmart Neighborhood Market, 13100 Josey Lane.
Carrollton: The Carrollton Police Department will participate in the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the department's south parking lot, 2025 E. Jackson Road.
Residents can bring medications in their original containers or sealed bags. Personal information on prescription labels may be removed or blacked out before disposal. No identification is needed.
The DEA accepts tablets, capsules, patches and other prescription medications. Liquid medications must be securely sealed in their original containers. Syringes, needles and illegal drugs will not be accepted.
Illegal substances also will not be collected.
Medications left in cabinets and drawers can pose risks long after they are needed. Children may accidentally ingest them, while unused prescription drugs can be taken or misused by others.
Prescription pain medications, including opioids, are of particular concern because of their potential for misuse and addiction.
Proper disposal also helps prevent medications from entering the environment through household drains or improper disposal.
The DEA encourages residents to periodically review medications in their homes and remove those that are expired or no longer needed.
Residents who cannot participate Saturday have other options.
The Farmers Branch Police Department maintains a medication disposal box in the police lobby of the Justice Center, 3723 Valley View Lane. The box is accessible Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. It accepts prescription medications and over-the-counter pills and capsules in sealed containers or bags. Liquids, needles and injectable medications are not accepted.
Carrollton also maintains a year-round medication disposal box in the jail lobby at 2001 E. Jackson Road. The box accepts prescription pills, patches and ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and certain pet medications. Liquids, needles, inhalers and aerosols are not accepted.
The DEA also maintains a nationwide directory of authorized collection sites, including pharmacies and other facilities that accept unused medications throughout the year.
Residents can find additional collection locations and disposal information at www.DEATakeBack.com.
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