LITTLE ROCK –The bi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for April 30, 2022. This is an important opportunity for Arkansans to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement and public health officials in the fight against prescription drug abuse by ridding their medicine cabinets of old and unused prescription medication. Last year, Arkansans disposed of 24,680 pounds of medications, bringing the total weight of disposed drugs to 221 tons since 2010.

“Properly disposing of prescription medications is just one small action Arkansans can take to help bring an end to the opioid and prescription drug abuse epidemic in this state,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Join me in cleaning out your medicine cabinets of unused and expired prescriptions this Saturday.”

Rutledge released the following list of medications that will be accepted at these events across the State:

• Opioids, such as OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, etc.

• Stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, etc.

• Depressants, such as Ativan, Xanax, Valium, etc.

• Other prescription medications

• Over-the-counter medicines

• Pet medicines

• Medicated ointments and lotions

• Liquid medicines in glass or leak-proof containers (up to 12 ounces)

• Medicine samples

Medications may be returned in the original bottle or in any other container for increased privacy.

Prescription Drug Take Back locations will be available 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30th. Although National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are held twice a year, year-round drop-off locations and other helpful information is available by visiting ARTakeBack.org.

Properly destroying these medications at appropriate disposal locations protects the environment, as flushing or pouring them down the drain can pollute water, resulting in contaminated food and water supplies. Wastewater treatment plants or septic systems may not remove many medicine compounds. Turning over these medications at Take Back Day events also reduces the risk of accidental poisonings by children, seniors or pets, as well as reduces the risk of drug abuse.