The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday from 10 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon.

What is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day?

This is a national program that Maine participates in every year with law enforcement agencies throughout the state open for you to stop by. The reason this even exisits is because it's needed. In 2019, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were from family and friends and often from the medicine cabinet.

Does the program work?

Yes! Maine is breaking records for overdose deaths. Sometimes drug dependency starts with prescription drugs. This Take Back Day gives you a chance to safely dispose of any and all unused drugs you might have in your home. It's easy to find a location near you - as most police agencies are helping.

According to the DEA website for Take Back Day, here's what they collected in October 2020 for the 19th National Take Back:

• Total Law Enforcement Participation: 4,153
• Total Collection Sites: 4,587
• Total Weight* Collected:  985,392 lbs. (492.7 Tons - includes other materials that aren't drugs)

Where in Maine can I bring unused drugs?

Check here to see what's closest to you to bring in unused drugs safely and anonymously. And if you miss the Take Back Day, you can find an authorized collector in the area.

Thanks for helping.