Tomorrow, Tennesseans can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and provides a secure way to discard expired or unused medications. More than 115 collection sites will be open across the state, according to an official announcement.
Take Back Day allows residents to dispose of unused medications safely. The event held in April collected more than 17,000 pounds of medications, contributing to the total of 433,000 pounds gathered since the program began. According to TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW, the event is part of the state’s efforts to address substance misuse in communities and households.
Participants can dispose of medications at designated drop-off locations, where information on substance use prevention will also be available. Event locations can be found through the provided link. For those unable to attend tomorrow, Tennessee has 384 permanent prescription drug drop boxes located across the state.
The permanent drop boxes are located in pharmacies and law enforcement offices across the state, where Tennesseans can dispose of medications anonymously. According to David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the program supports public health and environmental protection, including the protection of waterways, in line with TDEC’s mission.
