PHOENIX, AZ – If you have expired or unused prescription medication taking up space in your medicine cabinet, Phoenix residents have the option to safely get rid of them later this month. National Prescription Drug Return Day takes place on October 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The biannual event aims to enable the safe, convenient and responsible disposal of prescription drugs so that they do not fall into the wrong hands. The federal drug authorities will host the 21st event in cooperation with law enforcement agencies. During the April 2021 event, agencies collected nearly £ 840,000 of unused prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous. All pills are accepted but liquids, needles and sharp objects are not accepted during the event. The Phoenix Police Department is one of the participating authorities. The department collects unused prescription drugs at various locations across town – along with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at these locations: PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENTWALGREENS4249 W. GLENDALE AVE.PHOENIX, AZ 85051PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENTMOUNTAIN VIEW .2075 ECINCT . MARY VIEW AVE.PHOENIX, AZ 85016PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENTWALGREENS3434 W. SOUTHERN AVE.PHOENIX, AZ 85041PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENTMARYVALE PRECINCT6180 W. ENCANTO BLVD.PHOENIX, AZ 85033PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENTWALGREENS10865 N. Tatum BLVD.PHOENIX, AZ 85028PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT CENTRAL CITY PRECINCT1902 S. 16TH ST.PHOENIX, AZ 85034MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICEWALGREENS1825 WEST BETHANY HOME ROADPHOENIX, AZ 85015 If you can’t make it to one of these locations, a year-round drug return website is available here. Every year, millions of people abuse prescription pain relievers, stimulants, sedatives, and tranquilizers. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people abused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people used prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people abused prescription tranquilizers or tranquilizers. The survey also showed that much of the misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from a medicine cabinet. According to preliminary estimates by the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 96,700 people died from opioid-related overdoses in the twelve months ended March 2021. The Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on items that will not be accepted at take-back events, including the disposal of sharp objects and other medical waste. The Food and Drug Administration offers tips on disposing of liquid medications that have expired or are no longer needed. With the pandemic continuing, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on safely disposing of medicines without leaving your home.
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