DEA Will Take Your Unused, Expired Prescription Meds on Sept. 26

Have unused or expired prescription drugs sitting in your medicine cabinet and don’t know what to do with them? Here’s your chance to dispose of them safely.

On Saturday, Sept. 26 the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will hold its bi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day nationwide. This is your chance to get rid of dangerous drugs you no longer need and ensure they’ll be disposed of properly without any harm to the environment.

“This will be a great opportunity for Floridians of any age to safely dispose of expired prescription drugs” AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said. “Preventing accidental consumption is the best way we can protect ourselves, children, grandchildren and other family members.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the drug poisoning death rate is highest for adults aged 45–54. In a single year, from 2012 through 2013, the drug poisoning death rate among those aged 55-64 increased 16 percent, CDC reports show. Florida is statistically lower than the national average.

Statewide there are more than 140 collection sites. View complete list here or search with your zip code here.

And what do you do when there’s not a DEA collection site or event near you? Here’s a tip sheet from the DEA and Environmental Protection Agency on how to properly dispose of medication.