ORLANDO, Fla. — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosted its second National Prescription Take Back Day of the year Saturday, an event aimed at encouraging the public to safely dispose of unneeded medications from their homes. 

What You Need To Know

  • The DEA’s biannual event aims to prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction by encouraging people to dispose of unneeded prescriptions safely

  • In April, over 600,000 pounds of medications were collected nationwide, with Florida contributing 30,000 pounds

  • More than 4,600 law enforcement agencies, including 160 in Florida, participated

  • Although Take Back Day occurs twice a year, residents can still safely dispose of medications year-round at drop-off sites like local health departments and some pharmacies, or by following recommended at-home disposal methods

The initiative, which takes place biannually in April and October, seeks to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and reduce opioid addiction rates across the United States.

In April, the DEA’s Take Back Day collected over 600,000 pounds of prescription medications nationwide, with Florida alone accounting for approximately 30,000 pounds.

“This program is essential in preventing potential misuse and keeping dangerous medications out of the wrong hands,” said Dr. Chirag Panchal, a family medicine physician at Orlando Health. “Unused or unwanted prescriptions can be hazardous in homes, especially where small children, elderly people, or visitors may accidentally access them.”

According to the DEA, the drug overdose epidemic remains a critical public health and national security concern. National Prescription Take Back Day provides a vital service by helping reduce the risk of overdose, accidental poisoning, and addiction.

Although the event only happens twice a year, the DEA advises that residents can safely dispose of medications year-round at designated drop-off sites, including some police stations, pharmacies, and health departments.

Alternatively, medications can be mixed with unappealing grounds or cat litter, sealed in a bag, and placed in the household trash — a method that the DEA recommends as a last resort for those unable to access drop-off sites.

In April, over 4,600 law enforcement agencies nationwide participated in the event, including 160 from Florida, working to curb the accessibility of expired or unused medications that can lead to accidental misuse or theft.

“Unwanted prescriptions pose a risk not only to household members, but to anyone who may come across them,” said Panchal. “Having a safe and accessible disposal method helps prevent accidental ingestion, particularly among young children and elderly people who might confuse bottles.”

For Floridians looking to safely dispose of medications after today’s event, several year-round disposal options remain available.

Local health departments and some pharmacies continue to offer drop-off sites for unused prescriptions, and the DEA’s website provides information on nearby collection sites.

Residents are encouraged to check their cabinets regularly and take advantage of these disposal resources, helping keep their homes and communities safe from the risks associated with prescription misuse.

For more information on National Prescription Take Back Day, contact your local health department.