Residents can drop off any unused and expired prescription drugs this Saturday, Oct. 28 as part of Travis County's drug take back day.
Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Travis County will safely dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is, “free and anonymous, with no questions asked,” according to a news press release.
In April, Americans turned in 450 tons or 900,000 pounds of prescription drugs at DEA-operated drug takeback programs across the U.S., according to the release.
Of the 33,000 nationwide opioid-related deaths in 2015, 1,186 were in Texas. With concern over prescription drug abuse growing, officials stress proper disposal.
“Studies show the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets,” the release stated.
Throwing prescription drugs in the trash or flushing them down the toilet poses additional risks, including harming water supplies.
Travis County will accept expired and unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the following locations:
Constable Precinct One
4717 Heflin Lane, Ste. 127, Austin
512-854-7510
Constable Precinct Two
10409 Burnet Road, Ste. 150, Austin
512-854-9697
Constable Precinct Three
8656 Hwy. 71, Ste. 132, Austin
512-854-7245
Constable Precinct Four
4011 McKinney Falls Parkway, Ste. 1100, Austin
512-854-9488
Constable Precinct Five
1003 Guadalupe St., Austin
512-854-9100
Williamson County will conduct a prescription drug take back day on Oct. 27.