Do your part to safely dispose of prescriptions by participating in the spring Arkansas Drug Take Back this Saturday, April 26.
Held twice a year nationally, a “take-back” day is a chance to let the public properly dispose of unused or expired prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and controlled substances. In October, Arkansans brought in more than 23,600 pounds of medications, more than Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Mississippi combined, according to the DEA.
Not only does disposing of old prescriptions help keep medicines from getting into the wrong hands, but it also keeps toxic waste out of places it shouldn’t be. A 2019 study shows 60% of U.S. groundwater contains trace amounts of human medicines, which cannot be removed by sewage systems and are inevitably released into lakes, rivers and oceans.
According to the Arkansas Drug Take Back website, the safest way to get rid of medicines is by high-temperature incineration at properly permitted facilities.
So how can you help? The organization has mapped out drug collection sites across the state. Click here or download the ReviveAR app to find a year-round site near you and April 26 pop-up events from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For more info, head to the Arkansas Drug Take Back website or check it out on Facebook or Instagram.