The misuse of prescription drugs, most often obtained from the medicine cabinets of family and friends, is a significant problem across our nation. The simple step of ridding your home of old and unwanted prescription drugs can greatly reduce the chances of misuse!

UA's Police Division is making drug disposal safe and easy with a drive-thru collection to support the Drug Enforcement Agency's DEA TakeBack Day.

Accepted items:

• Any prescriptions of pills. Empty items into plastic bags for easy, anonymous disposal.

• New in 2023: The DEA will collect vape pens or other e-cigarette devices, as long as they do not have a battery or the battery has been removed in advance.

• New in 2023: Liquid medications, such as cough syrup, as long as they are in the original container and properly sealed.

• New in 2023: Old, over the counter medications.

Items that cannot be accepted:

• Thermometers

• Needles (sharps)

• Ointments

• Medication/medical waste from businesses or clinics

If you can’t make the Drug Take Back event, the CVS Pharmacy at 3282 Tremont is the closest drop-off alternative and accepts drop-offs year-round.

For more on the DEA Drug Take Back Days, click here.