The Drug Enforcement Administration is holding a National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 27.
It's working with local law enforcement, medical centers, and others to provide places to drop off expired and unwanted drugs with no questions asked. Douglas O’Brien is Director of Region 5 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He says disposing of these drugs is important in fighting addiction.
“About 80% of people who are abusing heroin report that, at one point, they began by misusing prescription opioid medication,” he said.
DEA’s sites will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. that day, but O’Brien says people can find similar sites year-round.
“Check if your local pharmacy, the pharmacy that you’re going to go to this week to do your shopping or pick up another medication, and see if they also have a takeback kiosk at their location too," he said.
You can find a list of participating sites at takebackday.dea.gov.