Overview
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back program is a partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that has been ongoing in our community since 2007. The Take-Back program aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
We are one of the few agencies in Pinal County to have a permanent drug disposal box. This allows the public to dispose of their unwanted medications all year round.
The public can come to the AJPD any time Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to dispose of their medications.
Purpose
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.
“Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem and this is a great opportunity for folks around the country to help reduce the threat,” DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg said. "Please clean out your medicine cabinet and make your home safe from drug theft and abuse.”
In the previous nine Take-Back events nationwide from 2010-2014, 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons of drugs were collected.
Questions
If you have questions, or would like to learn more about the Take-Back program, please call (480) 474-5442.