You can keep unused medications from hurting others by participating in the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day. Collection sites throughout the state will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 24.
To find a site nearest you, visit the Arkansas Drug Take Back website’s collection site page and type in your ZIP code or city and state. Permanent disposal sites are in RED and event sites are in BLUE.
The best action we can take against the growing drug crisis in Arkansas is to clean out our medicine cabinets. Next, take all unused and expired medications to a drug collection site for proper disposal. Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends and acquaintances.
These simple steps can help keep them out of the hands of strangers or even our loved ones who may be battling addiction.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why can’t I just flush my medicine down the drain?
A: Medications are toxic waste. They pose a danger to people, pets and the environment if they are not disposed of properly. When we flush or pour them down the drain, they end up in our waterways. This can affect our drinking water.
Q: Why can’t I just throw old medicine in the trash?
A: They are toxic substances and can harm people and pets.
- People will use medications they find in the trash – even if they are mixed with materials such as kitty litter or coffee grounds.
- If they do make it into a landfill, they can seep into the ground and nearby water systems.
- Just like it’s unsafe to throw used motor oil or leftover paint thinner in the trash, you should not put leftover medicines in the garbage.
- According to the Animal Poison Control Center, 19.7% of pet poisoning calls in 2019 were attributed to over-the-counter medications and 17.2% were attributed to human prescription medications.
Q: What should I do if I missed the Drug Take Back Day?
A: No worries. There are year-round collections sites. Go to the Arkansas Drug Take Back website and type in your ZIP code or city and state for a listing of sites nearest you.
The Drug Take Back program gives us the power to help control the growing drug crisis together.