National take-back day for medicines on Saturday

BILLINGS – National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place across Montana on Saturday, October 25, 2024.

The biennial event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations throughout Montana so people can safely dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

A press release states:

“This initiative addresses a critical public safety and public health issue. Drugs left to languish in the home are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse and misuse. The number of prescription drugs in the United States is alarmingly high, as is the number accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs.”

“Getting rid of expired or unused prescription drugs, especially opioids, is an important step all Montanans can take to help combat the national drug overdose epidemic. I urge everyone to participate in the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day by cleaning out their medicine cabinet. It’s an easy way to make our communities safer,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.

“Preventing drug abuse starts at home. For more than a decade, DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day has provided our community with a safe and convenient way to get rid of unnecessary medications,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Cesar Avila.

Numerous sheriff’s offices, police departments and federal agencies across the Treasure State are participating in Take Back Day on Saturday.

Information about collection locations and the event can be found at: https://takebackday.dea.gov/.

Montanans surrendered 2,270 pounds of prescription drugs by the age of 25 gathering places during the April event. Twenty-six law enforcement agencies participated.