Kansans safely disposed of more than 6 tons of unused medicines during last week’s National Drug Take-Back Day, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.
Kansas law enforcement officers collected 13,245 pounds of medicines at 108 locations throughout the state during last Saturday’s event, according to a report from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. The total was the largest single-day collection since the program began in 2010. Law enforcement agencies turn the drugs they collect over to the DEA, who safely destroys the medications.
“Kansans clearly recognize the need to ensure safe disposal of unused medications,” Schmidt said. “Thanks to the efforts of local law enforcement and the DEA, more than 6 tons of medications are now out of the medicine cabinets and safe from accidental or intentional misuse.”
Kansans have safely destroyed a total of 76,911 pounds of medications in the 10 collection days that have been held beginning in 2010.
Unused prescriptions can be turned in year-round at many local law enforcement locations. Kansans should contact their local sheriff’s office or police department for more information.