Kentucky collected 8,904 pounds of expired, unneeded meds during spring drug take back day

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) – The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced on Thursday the results of last month’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Spring version of the twice a year event, which has now been held 28 times.

The DEA and nearly 4,500 law enforcement agencies joined forces on April 26 to dispose of more than 620,000 pounds of unneeded and expired medications to prevent drug misuse and abuse.

In the Louisville Division, which covers Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, nearly 40,000 pounds of medications were collected at sites located across the three-state region. Tennessee collected the most, with 26,537 pounds; Kentucky followed with 8,904 pounds; and West Virginia with 4,097pounds.

“I personally want to thank everyone who took the time to clean out their home medicine cabinets and safely dispose of the medications they no longer need,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “You’ve helped make our communities safer by keeping potentially harmful drugs off our streets and out of the hands of those who struggle with addiction.”

Since its inception, DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans safely remove nearly 19.8 million pounds of expired, unwanted, or unused medications from their homes.

“We want to thank our state, local, and tribal partners for their continued support of DEA’s  National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy. “For sixteen years you have continued to show up to protect your communities by helping to remove the threat of medications from falling into the wrong hands. This program would not be possible without the support of our law enforcement and community partners.” 

If you missed National Prescription Drug Take Back Day or want to clean your medicine cabinet out on a semi-regular basis, safe disposal options are available year-round. Nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and other authorized collectors nationwide continue to provide secure medication drop boxes, and many police departments offer permanent collection locations. To find a year-round drop off location, visit Every Day is Take Back Day.