PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – The U.S Drug Enforcement Administration’s nationwide Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, April 27th. As part of a nationwide campaign, more than 5,000 collection sites will allow individuals to drop off their unwanted and expired over-the-counter medications for free.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, last year Americans turned in approximately 460 tons of prescription drugs. The Department also states that almost 11 million pounds of pills have been turned in over the past 16 years as part of previous Take Back events.
Allegheny County is offering locations in North Park, South Park and Wilmerding. Giant Eagle has new permanent disposal locations in Shadyside, Washington, and Monroeville among others. More than 20 local police departments will also be participating.
"Wherever possible, taking back a drug to an approved facility is the answer," Dr. Douglas Throckmorton with the Federal Drug Administration told KDKA Radio. Throckmorton said a secrue drug take back is the best way to get unsused opioid medications out of your house. "If you can't get to a takeback program promptly, the FDA recommends that you flush those down the toilet. We have a short list of those on our website."
The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) and Pennsylvania American Water will sponsor collection events from 10am until 2pm at the Green Tree Borough Building in Green Tree, Medical Rescue Team South in Lebanon and The Mall at Robinson.
More information on these three events can be found here or by calling 412-488-7452.
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