The event from 10am-2pm provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
"When we do a take back, we deliver boxes to certain locations and stay with those boxes," said Zon. The boxes are manned from 10am-2pm drop-off. Then the boxes are transported back to DEA offices for safe disposal.
People are becoming more familiar with reasons why you should not throw away or flush old prescription drugs. "For one thing, it's bad for the environment and if you throw them out, you don't know where they may end up and who might have access to them," said Zon.
Studies show that three out of four people addicted to heroin, started with prescription drugs.
Some of the locations participating in Prescription Drug Take Back Day include law enforcement agencies, long term health care facilities, pharmacies. Find a collection site near you HERE.