The Sarasota Police Department will partner with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., to provide the community another chance to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. 

While the drop-box in the lobby of the Sarasota Police Department is available year-round, residents are encouraged to bring expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs to the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, for part of the National Take Back Day on October 23^rd.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse.  Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold.  Prescription drugs that are unused and flushed can contaminate water supplies.  Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment. 

Drop-off sites can collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.  Sites cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps.  The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. 

During the last National Take-Back Day in April 2021, the DEA collected 420 tons (839,543 lbs.) of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications nationwide.  Clearing out unused medicine is essential with studies indicating many abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets.

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