National Drug Take Back Day In Washington

Law enforcement agencies across the country are participating in "National Prescription Drug Take Back Day" on Saturday, Oct. 26, offering to collect anyone's expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs — anonymously and for free.

The event, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, aims to prevent prescription drug abuse by giving people a chance to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs with no questions asked. Amid a national spike in vaping-linked lung disease, this year the DEA will also accept vape devices and cartridges at all locations. Lithium ion batteries must be removed prior to drop-off.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. drugs and vapor products can be brought to police departments around our region, including in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and Puyallup. All nearby drug drop sites can be found by searching here.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing, according to the DEA, and studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. Many people don't know how to properly dispose of their unused medications, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away — both of which present safety hazards. The last national drug take-back event, in April, brought in almost 1 million pounds of unused medications.

More information about the National Take Back Initiative can be found at the DEA website.