20th Take Back Day on April 24, 2021

Granite United Way and its three Public Health Networks are encouraging communities to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 20th Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 24th. This is an opportunity to dispose of expired, unwanted and unused prescription medication. This event is held twice a year, and over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs. 

“Clearing out our medicine cabinets and homes is crucial to prevention efforts,” said Annika Stanley-Smith, Director of Substance Misuse Prevention for Capital Region Public Health Network (CAPHN). “The stressors of the pandemic continue to heighten the awareness of a need for these opportunities. We encourage everyone to look inside their homes for medications they no longer need and dispose of them in a responsible way.”

The public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at collection sites which will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in an effort to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. Residents can dispose of tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and other substances will not be accepted. DEA will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed. 

This year, CAPHN partnered with Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) in a contest that encouraged young artists to create promotional posters for the April 2021 Take Back Day. The winning images can be seen on marketing materials for the event, and on www.graniteuw.org.

To find the take back site closest to you check here.