Drop off unused meds Saturday at prescription take back day

Iowans can dispose of unused or expired medications anonymously Saturday during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Each spring and fall, local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies collect unused prescription and over-the-counter medication. During October’s collection, Iowans turned in over 8,199 pounds of unneeded medicine.

"Get in the habit of regularly checking your home for unused medications and take advantage of events like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to dispose of them safely,” said a statement from Susie Sher, bureau chief of the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy. “This is an easy step we can all take to help safeguard our communities, protect the environment, and prevent health and safety issues like accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose.”

The National Prescription Drug Take Back events will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. Participants include the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City police departments, as well as the Linn County and Johnson County sheriff’s offices, and many others. A list that can be searched by ZIP code or city is at dea.gov/takebackday.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also allows the collection of vaping devices and e-cigarettes, if the batteries are first removed first. Liquids, such as cough syrups, also will be accepted but must be sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps, and illicit substances will not be collected.