National Drug Take Back Day will accept vaping devices for the first time

For the first time, a national initiative to prevent abuse and theft of prescription drugs will accept vaping devices. 

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 26. The service is free and anonymous. 

More than 5,250 sites nationwide – including 26 sites in Nebraska – will be available for people to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications. This year is the first time the DEA will also accept vaping devices and cartridges, except those with lithium ion batteries. 

“We encourage Nebraskans to let us help dispose of their unused and unwanted medications so that they don’t end up being diverted for unintended purposes – like ending up in the school yard, watersheds or being sold on the street,” Special Agent in Charge Richard Salter Jr. said.

According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 53 percent of survey respondents who reported misusing pain relievers said they were given, bought or taken from a friend or relative. Of these misusers, 40 percent got their most recently used prescription pain relievers from a friend or relative for free, while the remainder either bought them from a friend or relative or took them from a friend or relative without asking.

Since the first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, DEA has collected more than 11 million pounds of medication.

Individuals unable to drop off their medications on Saturday can locate secure disposal sites, many of which are open year-round, by visiting www.takebackday.dea.gov or by calling 1-800-882-9539. Take Back Day sites can also be found on the site.