14 Tons of Medications Collected by DEA for Take Back Day Event
The DEA Omaha Division’s Take Back Day included 163 sites in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The 26th National Prescription Take Back Day took place on October 26.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Omaha Division collected over 14 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted medications. The DEA, along with 135 state and local law enforcement partners, collected more than 28,000 pounds of unused medications. This marks the highest total collected across the DEA Omaha Division since April 2021. Over 37,000 pounds were collected that year.
“Across the country, people are recognizing the importance of tossing out unused prescription medications,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Whether it’s to remove the temptation for experimentation, dispose of the medication in a way that’s environmentally safe or a combination of factors. We had a tremendous showing this fall and we’re grateful for the support of our Midwestern communities.”
Nationally, the DEA collected nearly 630,000 pounds of medications at more than 4,600 locations. Since its inception, the DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps prevent drug misuse before it starts.
According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the majority of people who misuse prescription medication for a non-medical purpose got that medication from a family member or friend.
DEA continues to expand opportunities to make safe disposal of medications more accessible nationwide. There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal every single day of the year. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes.
To find a year-round drop off location, visit Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov.