Attorney General Mayes Urges Arizonans to Dispose of Unused Medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday

PHOENIX – Attorney General Mayes encourages Arizonans statewide to dispose of old prescription medications safely and anonymously this Saturday, April 25, as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Law enforcement agencies and businesses across Arizona will be hosting collection sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Drop-off locations can be found by visiting deatakeback.com.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a way for people across the country to remove unwanted or expired medications from their homes to help prevent theft or abuse. The goal is to continue to bring drug overdose rates down by providing an easy, safe, and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted, unused, unneeded, or expired medications.

"Far too many Arizonans first became addicted to opioids by accessing a relative's unused prescription drugs," AG Mayes said. "Safely getting rid of unused medication can help keep your family and our communities safer. I urge any Arizonan with unused medication to find a drug disposal site this Saturday."

DEA and law enforcement partners have collected more than 20.4 million pounds of unwanted, unused, and expired medications since National Prescription Drug Take Back Day began 16 years ago.

When used properly, prescription opioids can treat pain, but they also carry serious risk of misuse, which can lead to addiction and overdose. Prevention of prescription drug misuse and opioid addiction starts at home. Removing unnecessary prescriptions reduces the chances of someone accidentally taking medication, misusing prescription drugs, or sharing them intentionally.

Year-round drug disposal sites can be found by visiting deatakeback.com.