This fall the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state and local law enforcement officials held the first national “Take Back Day,” to collect unneeded and unwanted prescription drugs. At 4,094 collection sites across the country, including 44 in Connecticut, individuals were able to anonymously drop off prescription drugs at no cost and with no questions asked.
The program is meant to prevent prescription drug abuse and ensure proper disposal of unused medication. People often throw unused medication down a sink or toilet, polluting water and harming septic systems and aquatic wildlife. In New England, the officials collected 25,810 pounds of prescription drugs (5,050 pounds in Connecticut).
More information about the New England collection results is available through the DEA. Information about proper disposal of prescription drugs, including local household drug take back programs, is available through the state consumer protection department.
