Got leftover drugs? September 26 is Rx Drug Take-Back Day.

The 10^th Annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day takes place on Saturday, September 26. This free program offered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with local law enforcement organizations, is aimed at helping consumers dispose of unused, unwanted, and perhaps expired medications.

In-home prescription drugs may pose dangers of accidental poisoning or of abuse. The vast majority of prescription drug abusers seem to have procured them, at least initially, by helping themselves to medications found in their own homes or the residences of friends or relatives.  However, such substances should not be flushed, rinsed away, or tossed into the regular trash. This is why the DEA presents this annual collection event.

Most multiple sclerosis medications are not popularly abused, but they must still be disposed of properly.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. Click here to find a collection site near you. Most of the listed sites are local police departments, which are equipped to collect the medications and dispose of them both safely and legally.

Individuals are invited to drop off all sorts of medications anonymously. Pills and patches are accepted. Controlled substances are included. No sign-ins or registrations are required, and no questions are asked.

Registered medical practitioners (including veterinarians) are expected to follow the regular DEA procedures for medication disposal.

NOTE: In Delaware and Pennsylvania, Prescription Drug Take-Back Day took place on Saturday, September 12.

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