UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 17th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is set for Saturday, April 27, and Penn State students and employees can participate by utilizing a free, anonymous medication disposal service through University Police, which also is available year-round.
A secure bin, located in the University Park police station at 30 Eisenhower Parking Deck, offers a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of old medications. University Police offers this anonymous take-back service 24/7.
“We encourage all students, employees and area residents to take advantage of this free service,” said Deputy Chief Tom Sowerby. “Take-back bins are extremely important to prevent the abuse or theft of unneeded medications. They also offer an environmentally safe, accessible and convenient alternative to disposing of medication in the landfill or sewer systems that may negatively impact the environment.”
Participants are asked to remove any personal information that may be on the medication. Needles, aerosols, medications containing iodine, and illicit drugs are not accepted through the service.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration coordinates National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to educate the public about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and as an effort to prevent medications from getting into the wrong hands. The majority of prescription drug abusers report in surveys that they get their drugs from friends and family, according to the DEA.
During the last Take Back Day, more than 450 tons of unwanted medication were collected across the country. In 2018, Penn State police at University Park collected and disposed of 150 pounds of unwanted medication.