More Than 39,000 Pound of Unwanted Drugs Collected By ISP, Other Agencies

The 19th annual drug take back day was on October 24.

(Indianapolis, IN) – On Saturday, October 24, 2020, Hoosiers participated in the 19th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back Day" by visiting Indiana State Police Posts, locations sponsored by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) and the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, and other sites across the state.

“Prescription Drug Take Back Day is the perfect opportunity for Hoosiers to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of any unused medication,” said Indiana Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Douglas Huntsinger. “No matter if it’s one prescription or 10, each prescription we properly dispose of makes Indiana’s communities safer places for all.”

In partnership with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the drug take back initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.

During the one-day event, the DEA reports that Hoosiers safely disposed of more than 39,000 pounds of unused medication. Collectively the Indiana State Police received 2,130 pounds of unused, expired or unwanted medications for proper disposal. Our partners from the IPLA and the Indiana Board of Pharmacy received 1,194 pounds of prescription medications. 

For more information about the bi-annual "Prescription Drug Take Back Day" or to find year round disposal locations visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/.