Turn in unused prescription meds at Drug Take Back Day

Iowans may dispose of unused or expired prescription medicines — with no questions asked — in Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at local law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and other locations.

The drug take back day is held twice a year. Last April, Iowans anonymously turned in over 5,077 pounds of unneeded medicine, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. So far, Iowans have disposed of over 103 tons of medications at these events.

"Make it a habit to check your home for unneeded medications and look for opportunities like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to dispose of them the right way. This is a simple action we all can take to help prevent drug misuse, protect the environment, and support our communities,” said a statement from Susie Sher, the bureau chief of Iowa’s Office of Drug Control Policy within the public safety department. “Keeping expired and unused prescription medications can lead to health and safety issues like accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse.”

This fall’s event will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at designated sites across Iowa, including at local police and sheriff’s departments. A list of locations is at dea.gov/takebackday. Vaping devices and e-cigarettes also can be turned in as long as the batteries are removed first.