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The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation encourage all Tennesseans to take part in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.

Take Back Day is an opportunity for people to take stock of the prescription and over-the-counter medications in their homes and safely and securely dispose of items that have expired or are no longer needed. During the April 2024 Take Back Day, Tennesseans safely and securely disposed of nearly 28,000 pounds of medications at 142 take-back sites. That’s more than any of our neighboring states and in the top 10 nationally.

In Elizabethton, persons can dispose of prescription drugs at the Carter County Sheriff’s Dept., E. Elk Ave.; the Elizabethton Police Department on East F Street; and Walgreens Drug Center, Broad Street.

Substance use prevention coalitions team up with their local law enforcement agencies to host dozens of Take Back Day events across Tennessee. In addition to drug disposal, participants can learn more about substance use prevention and other topics.

“Take Back Day is awesome just for its simplicity. It’s common to have old, expired medications in a medicine cabinet or closet around the house. With these events, you can safely and securely get these substances out of your home — no questions asked. At the same time, you’re making your home and community safer by getting rid of potentially addictive medications,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.

“The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day makes communities safer by making our environment safer,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “When someone disposes of pharmaceuticals in the proper way, it prevents them from entering our waterways. We encourage all Tennesseans to dispose of their unused drugs responsibly.”

For people who are unable to stop by a Take Back Day event, Tennessee has close to 400 permanent drug drop boxes located across the state, with at least one in every county. Just like at an event, disposal at a drop box is safe, secure and anonymous.