Calling all Tennesseans with a clutter of dusty pill bottles and expired painkillers lurking in their medicine cabinets: It's time to spring clean your pharmaceuticals. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), alongside the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), is urging locals to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event, slated for April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., provides a no-questions-asked opportunity to dispose of medications that have outlived their usefulness or validity. According to a recent publication by state officials.
Last year, Tennessee outdid itself and its neighbors by collecting nearly 28,000 pounds of unwanted drugs, positioning it in the national top ten. The collaboration between Substance Use Prevention Coalitions and their local law enforcement aims not only to clear out potential hazards from home shelves but also to educate participants on substance use prevention. TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW, emphasized the event's straightforward appeal, stating, "Take Back Day is awesome just for its simplicity," and pointing out the safety benefits of removing "potentially addictive medications" from the home.
But it's not just about substance abuse; it's also a win for the environment. TDEC Commissioner David Salyers highlighted the positive environmental impact, saying, “When someone disposes pharmaceuticals in the proper way, it prevents them from entering our waterways. We encourage all Tennesseans to dispose of their unused drugs responsibly.” Prescription meds tossed in the trash or flushed can pollute our waters and local wildlife, and pose broader ecological threats.
Can't make it on Take Back Day? No problem. Tennessee boasts nearly 400 permanent drug drop boxes across the state, ensuring at least one in every county. Just like the event, disposal is safe, secure, and, importantly, anonymous. Whether it's on April 26 or any other day, these drop boxes stand ready to take those expired or unneeded pills off your hands—and out of harm’s way.
