PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) —Since South Dakota began participating in National Prescription Take-Back Day in 2016, over 95,000 pounds of unused medication has been collected through participating law enforcement locations and the Department of Social Services’ Safe Disposal Program. South Dakota’s bi-annual effort is a partnership with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. South Dakotans will again be able to dispose of medications safely, with the next Take-Back Day scheduled for later this month.

This fall’s Take-Back Day is Saturday, October 26. The day provides an opportunity to safely dispose of prescription drugs no longer needed at home. Unwanted, unneeded, or unused medications can be disposed of in a secure medication drop box at participating locations like pharmacies and police stations. Left unattended, these medications can be at risk for misuse and abuse.

“Participating in the Take-Back Day event is a small thing we can all do to combat the big issue of substance use,” said DSS Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff. “If you have any unused prescriptions at home, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity for the safety of loved ones and others who might gain access to medications they were not prescribed. To all who have participated in the past, we thank you for taking this meaningful measure that can help limit the misuse of prescription drugs.”

For those who cannot make it to a designated take-back site, DisposeRx packets are available for free from the DSS and can be mailed directly to you. DisposeRx packets contain an FDA-approved ingredient that, when mixed with water, chemically and physically neutralizes the medication so it can be safely thrown away at home. The packets work with pills, tablets, capsules, liquids, and powders.

To find the closest take-back locations or to order DisposeRx packets, visit https://www.avoidopioidsd.com/take-action/safe-medication-disposal/.