It’s that time of year again – National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. On April 29, Tennesseans will have the opportunity to dispose of their unused and expired prescription drug medications at one of the more than 100 events happening across the state. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take-Back Initiative and provides people with a safe, convenient way to dispose of their unused prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Substances Accepted at Take-Back Events1
- Unused or expired prescriptions that you legally possess
- Unused or expired medications that were prescribed to a person in your household
Substances Not Accepted at Take-Back Events1
- Illicit drugs, such as marijuana, heroin and LSD
- Insulin syringes or other medical sharps and needles
- Asthma inhalers
- Iodine-containing medications
- Mercury-containing thermometers
Attending a take-back event or visiting a drop box location is the most reliable way to safely dispose of your unused medications. It is not recommended that you dispose of your prescriptions in the trash in case they are discovered by another member or pet in your household. You also should not flush your medications down the toilet or drain as this practice pollutes local water systems2.
Help protect your loved ones from medicine misuse. Drop off your unused prescription drug medications at a location near you from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a full list of locations, visit our Take-Back Event Finder.
1Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
2Source: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
