Safely Dispose of Unused Medications
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Safely dispose of unused medications
The National Pharmaceuticals Take-Back Day is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and supported by local law enforcement. Help protect your family and the environment. To find a participating location:
• visit TakeBackYourMeds.org/dea-events
• call 1-888-869-4233.
Why take back my meds?
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Unused medicines are a danger to our children, families and the environment.
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Washington State has one of the highest teen prescription drug abuse rates in the nation.
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Medicine poisoning of children and seniors is skyrocketing.
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Medicines flushed or put in the trash can end up in our surface waters, groundwater and drinking water - exposing our families and hurting our environment.
Law enforcement, federal agencies, public health and environmental professionals
agree—take-back programs are the safest way to dispose of unused medicines.
What do I do if I miss the event?
Visit TakeBackYourMeds.org to find a temporary medicine take-back location. Store your medicines in a locked drawer, cabinet or medicine lock box.
Is there a permanent drug take-back program in Washington?
Unfortunately, no. Some communities, pharmacies and law enforcement agencies are paying for take-back programs but their funding is not sustainable. The October 29 event is only one day and DEA’s support is short-term. This doesn’t solve the ongoing need across the state. Washington needs secure take-back programs year-round to keep our families and our waters safe.
It’s time for drug companies to step up and pay up.
Take Back Your Meds organizations support creation of a statewide take-back program. Drug manufacturers should provide take-back of leftover medicines as part of doing business, as they do in other countries. For a couple of pennies per prescription, drug companies could finance and provide a safe, ongoing medicine take-back system for our state.
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