National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday

The bi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for April 30. This is an important opportunity for Arkansans to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement and public health officials in the fight against prescription drug abuse by ridding their medicine cabinets of old and unused prescription medication. Last year, Arkansans disposed of 24,680 pounds of medications, bring the total weight of disposed drugs to 221 tons since 2010.

Rutledge released the following list of medications that will be accepted at these events across the state: Opioids, such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Hydrocodone. Stimulants such as Ritalin, depressants, such as Xanax and Valium and other prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, pet medicines, medicated ointments and lotions, liquid medicines in glass or leak-proof containers and medicine samples. Medications may be returned in the original bottle or in any other container for increased privacy. 

In Howard County, there is a year-round drop-off box in the lobby of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office which is located at 101 Isacc Perkins Bypass in Nashville. For a list of other drop-off locations visit artakeback.org.

Properly destroying these medications at appropriate disposal locations protects the environment, as flushing or pouring them down the drain can pollute water, resulting in contaminated food and water supplies. Wastewater treatment plants or septic systems may not remove many medicine compounds. Turning over these medications at Take Back Day events or at the year-round drop-off boxes reduces the risk of accidental poisonings by children, seniors, or pets, as well as reduces the risk of drug abuse.