Americans Turn in 276 Tons of Unwanted or Expired Drugs During Take-Back Event

Americans turned in 276 tons of unwanted or expired medications during the fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day last week, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced. Drugs were collected at 5,659 sites around the country on April 28.

The agency has removed more than 1.5 million pounds, or 774 tons, of medication from circulation since the first take-back event in 2010, according to the Associated Press.

The DEA has been sponsoring Prescription Drug Take-Back days since September 2010, and has removed over 1.5 million pounds or 774 tons of medication from circulation. Last week’s event collected a record-breaking amount of medication, the DEA announced in a news release.

The agency is preparing the final rules and procedures for the rollout of the Safe and Secure Drug Disposal Act. This will allow people to dispose of their drugs in a safe manner every day, not only during Take-Back events. The DEA hopes to have these regulations in place by the end of the year.

“While a uniform system for prescription drug disposal is being finalized, we will continue to sponsor these important take-back opportunities as a service to our communities,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart.