Get Rid of Unused and Expired Prescription Drugs on Saturday

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Adminstration is conducting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day today at , 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy.

The program consists of exactly what the name implies: getting rid of your old prescriptions drug or the ones you no longer use. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses an important public health and safety issue that is often ignored by society.

People are not disposing of their unused drugs correctly. Studies show that most are obtained from family and friends. Yes, that means your medicine cabinet in your own home.   

According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 7 million Americans abuse prescription drugs. use said drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.

The DEA in collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation have conducted the program twice before, one in April and the other in September 2010. With only two days of this program being carried out, state and local law enforcement agencies participating all around the country have collected more than 309 tons of pills, according to the DEA’s website.

The program is completely free, discreet and anonymous. No questions will be asked. Residents may bring their unwanted, unused or even expired prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The DEA will continue to hold Take Back Days every six months for people to safely dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs.