DEA collects record amount of prescription drugs on Take Back Day

A record amount of prescription medication — nearly 1 million pounds — was collected nationwide Oct. 24 during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take Back Day.

That includes nearly 37,000 pounds of unwanted, expired or unused prescription medication turned over at 209 collection sites in Pennsylvania, according to data released by the agency.

Several police departments around the region participated in the event, typically held twice a year. The Take Back Day originally scheduled in April was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic and October’s collection was the only one held nationally in 2020.

The 985,392 pounds of medication collected — nearly 493 tons — was the most in the program’s 10-year history. In October, there were 4,587 collection sites nationwide.

Since the program started in 2010, the agency has collected nearly 13.7 million pounds of prescription medication. In October 2019, there were more collection sites and they brought in 882,919 pounds.

“Every day is Take Back Day and we encourage the public to continue to address this urgent safety and public health issue by using the thousands of existing drop-off locations throughout the year,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea in an announcement.

There are numerous sites, including hospitals and pharmacies, around the area that serve as drop-off points for unwanted prescription medication year-round. To find one near you, use the search tool here.

The purpose of the semiannual event is to prevent prescription medication from ending up in the wrong hands. An addiction to prescription painkillers can potentially lead to abuse of other opioids, including heroin and fentanyl.