ALBANY – The State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), New York State Police, and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourage New Yorkers to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, September 29. The event provides an opportunity for people to safely dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs at local community drop-off sites.

The event is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Approximately 250 drop-off sites in communities across New York State will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to accept prescription drugs for disposal. The following link will help New Yorkers find a location in their area: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

The Department of Health has established a permanent medication drop box program through state, county and local law enforcement agencies. The program will expand the options currently available for households to dispose of expired or unwanted medications in a manner that considers public health, as well as the environment. DOH drop box locations can be viewed here: www.health.ny.gov/professionals/narcotic/medication_drop_boxes/