TDMHSAS Encourages Tennesseans to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) encourages people across the state to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. 

More than 100 Take Back Day events are planned with most occurring this Saturday (October 26) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time.  The events are the result of collaboration between Tennessee’s Substance Use Prevention Coalitions, local law enforcement, and other community groups.

Find a Take Back Day Event near you using this interactive map.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers a safe and secure way for people to dispose of prescription medications that have expired or are no longer.  Proper disposal removes these potentially addictive medications from the home, preventing the possibility of misuse or accidental poisoning.

In the April 2024 Take Back Day, Tennesseans disposed of 27,746 pounds of materials, more than any of our eight neighboring states.  Since the start of Take Back Day, Tennesseans have safely and securely disposed of enough medications and other items to nearly fill five tractor trailers.

“It's common for prescription medications to accumulate over time, and Take Back Day is the reminder that we all need to safely and securely dispose of these medications,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.  “Cleaning out your medicine cabinet is one thing we all can do to prevent misuse of prescription drugs and make our homes and communities safer.”

For people who are unable to participate in a Take Back Day event, Tennessee has 385 permanent prescription drug drop boxes located across the state with at least one in every county.  Disposal at the drop boxes is safe, secure, and anonymous. 

Find a permanent drug drop box near you using this interactive map.