Iowans are encouraged to scour their homes for unused medications in preparation for this weekend’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28. The event is organized by the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy and is aimed at promoting safe and responsible disposal of old and unneeded medications. Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies across the state are partnering to collect prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The most recent collection in April gathered more than 3,800 pounds of medications. The initiative not only provides a secure and convenient method of medication disposal but also educates the public about the potential dangers of opioid misuse and drug diversion. Residents can bring their excess medications to Iowa’s Prescription Drug Take Back locations on Saturday, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The collection sites are spread across the state. In addition to medications, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also allows for the collection of vaping devices and e-cigarettes, provided the batteries are removed. For more information and site locations, individuals can visit the DEA’s Take Back Day website, a link to which is included below.
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https://odcp.iowa.gov/programs/prescription-drug-take-backs
https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
