Oklahoma Promotes Safe Medication Disposal on DEA Take Back Day and Throughout the Year

Oklahomans can safely and anonymouslydispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications on Saturday, Oct. 24, during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Medications left unused at home can pose serious risks, including accidental ingestion and misuse. Since the program began in 2010, DEA Take Back Day events have removed more than 21 million pounds of unwanted medications nationwide, helping protect families and communities through safe disposal.

“Prevention begins long before someone is diagnosed with a substance use disorder. It includes the steps we take to reduce risks and access in our homes and communities," said ODMHSAS Interim Commissioner Josh Anderson. "DEA Take Back Day gives every Oklahoman a tangible and meaningful way to take part in protecting the health and well-being of those around them.”

How to participate

DEA and its partners accept tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription medication at participating collection sites. Liquid medications should remain securely sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted through DEA Take Back Day.

Participating collection sites can be found at DEATakeback.com

Keeping medication safety a year-round priority

Safe medication disposal doesn't end with Take Back Day. Oklahomans can regularly review medications in their homes, securely store those still needed in medication lockboxes and dispose of those that are expired or no longer in use via various safe drop off locations or using medication deactivation pouches

Local organizations, community leaders and law enforcement agencies can help expand access to permanent disposal locations and raise awareness of available resources. Law enforcement agencies interested in establishing a permanent collection site can contact the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs for information about obtaining a drug take-back box.

By working together to make medication safety a year-round priority, we can strengthen prevention efforts in communities across the state. Every day is an opportunity to prevent medication misuse and protect Oklahoma families.