Attorney General Alan Wilson encourages South Carolinians to safely dispose of unwanted medications Saturday

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson encourages all South Carolinians to take part in the 28th National Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 26th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proclaims a national day to ask everyone to dispose of unused medication safely. These events over the last 14 years (September 2010 – October 2024) were overwhelmingly successful and resulted in the collection and disposal of over 9,600 tons of pharmaceuticals. At the last Drug Take Back Day in October 2024, South Carolinians disposed of 5,996 pounds of unwanted or unused medications.

During that event last October, there were 4,644 locations nationwide where you could drop off your unused or unwanted medicines. To find a location near you, go to TakeBackDay.DEA.gov.

“The message is clear and simple: take back and dispose,” Attorney General Wilson said. “Prescription medications can be lifesavers, but if they’re expired or they’re taken in the wrong quantities or by someone they weren’t prescribed for, they can be life-takers.”

Go to your medicine cabinet, or wherever you keep medicine, and check for any unused or expired medications, including opioids.

Senior citizens are especially likely to keep unused pills. A grandparent’s medicine cabinet is an easy place for teenagers or other loved ones to fuel their addiction. Check your own medicine cabinet first and encourage loved ones to clean out their unused medications too.

It’s not only opioids that pose a threat if not disposed of properly, though. Unused or expired medications can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Proper disposal saves lives and protects the environment.

Collection sites will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.