National Drug Take Back Day is TODAY, April 25

Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. That’s why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in – safely and anonymously – a record amount of prescription drugs.

There are resources to find a location. You can use this link to find a location near YOU!

https://www.dea.gov/takebackday#collection-locator

Or – 

AND- if you miss the date – TODAY – here is a list of all locations within 50 miles of Providence that accept your medications every day:  https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s4

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day isn’t just about cleaning out your medicine cabinet—it’s about preventing real and growing risks tied to unused medications sitting at home. Leftover prescription drugs, especially opioids and other controlled substances, are one of the most common sources of misuse. Studies have consistently shown that many people who misuse prescription medications first get them from a friend or family member—often without anyone realizing the danger.

Proper disposal also plays a critical role in protecting children, pets, and even unsuspecting adults. Medications that seem harmless—sleep aids, painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs—can cause serious harm or even death if taken accidentally or in the wrong dose. Keeping unused drugs in the home increases the chance of those accidents, particularly in households with young children or teens.

There’s also an environmental reason to take part. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can lead to contamination of water systems and soil. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to fully remove pharmaceutical compounds, meaning traces can end up in rivers, lakes, and even drinking water supplies. Drug Take Back programs ensure medications are disposed of safely, typically through high-temperature incineration that prevents environmental damage.

Ultimately, Drug Take Back Day is a simple step with wide-reaching impact—reducing the risk of addiction, preventing accidental poisonings, and protecting the environment. It’s quick, anonymous, and free—making it one of the easiest ways for individuals to contribute to public health and safety.