National Prescription Take Back
National Take Back Day
October, 2023
Learn More!
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Health, and TN Together are teaming up to encourage participation in the upcoming National Drug Take-Back Day in October, 2023.
Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. That’s why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in – safely and anonymously – a record amount of prescription drugs.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Take Back Event Map
Looking for a Prescription Take Back event in Tennessee?
With over 90 events happening across the state, you're sure to find one near you.
Zoom in and out to find an event near you. Click on the purple pointers for more details.
Don't see your event? Let us know and our team of student interns will get right on it!
Email info@tntogether.com
Want a PDF version of the Spring Take Back Day locations? Click the button below to download!
If you don't properly dispose of the unused or expired prescription drugs in your home, they might find a new one.
Count it
Make it a goal to count your pills once every two weeks. This will prevent theft and help ensure medications are taken properly.
Lock it
Lock up your medications and store them in a secure place that others would not think to look.
Drop it
Drop off your unused or expired medications for proper disposal at drop boxes located in participating law enforcement offices or pharmacies.
Accepted Items
- Liquid medications (in leak-proof containers)
- Medicated ointment, lotions, or drops
- Pills in any packaging (glass bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags, etc.)
- Over-the-counter medications Liquid medications (in leak-proof containers)
- Pet medications
Prohibited Items
- Blood sugar equipment
- Sharps/needles*
- Illegal drugs & narcotics (police will accept these items if placed in the container)
- Thermometers*
- IV bags
- Bloody or infectious waste
- Personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc) safe At-Home Disposal
Home Disposal Methods
Deterra is on a mission to prevent drug abuse and protect our environment through safe, permanent disposal of unused prescription and over the counter medications. The Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal System is an easy-to-use drug disposal system can be used at home or in a clinical setting to safely destroy unused or expired medications, making them unavailable for misuse and safe for disposal in the normal trash.
DisposeRx, Inc., a North Carolina-based company, is dedicated to decreasing the risks of drug diversion, overdoses, accidental poisonings and antibiotic resistance by facilitating medication management behavior change and eradicating the misuse of leftover medications. DisposeRx’s patented drug disposal packets and education programs are currently available at almost 60% of retail pharmacies and through 90% of the wholesale pharmacy and medical distributors across the nation.
Follow The Campaign!
"I Take Back Because..."
You probably already know it – take-back events are a great way to make our homes and our communities safer by removing prescription drugs that could potentially be misused. Pull out your phone and shoot a short message: “I take back because …”
Send us your videos (via email to matthew.parriott@tn.gov), and we’ll use them on social media and on TNTogether.com. When it comes to the actual take-back day on April 22nd, don’t forget to tag Tennessee Together in your posts and use #TNTakeBack.
Follow Along on Social Media
A Little Bit About Our Team...
Tennessee Together houses local and state prevention, addiction, and recovery resources alongside engaging ideas and stories that inspire Tennesseans to get involved.
This online hub of interactive resources operates using a three-part goal: completing activities, sharing stories of success, and accessing addiction and recovery information. TNTogether.com officially launched in 2018 as an initiative powered by the Tennessee Department of Health in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is the state’s mental health and substance abuse authority. Its mission is to create collaborative pathways to resiliency, recovery, and independence for Tennesseans living with mental illness and substance use disorders. Learn more about our impact and our services on our website.
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is the state’s public health agency. Its mission is to protect, promote, and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Through the ResilienTN partnership, TDH has been able to amplify attention to the department’s ongoing work to reduce drug overdoses and suicides across the state through education, community-engagement, and data-driven solutions. To learn more about TDH, visit our website.