by Little Rock Soirée Staff on October 24, 2023 | Link to original article

Do your part to safely dispose of prescriptions by participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 28.

Held twice a year, the day is a chance to let the public properly dispose of their unused, unwanted or expired prescriptions while learning more about the opioid epidemic. In April, Arkansans brought in more than 26,000 pounds of medications, more than Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi combined, according to the DEA.

Not only does disposing of old prescriptions help keep medicines from getting into the wrong hands, but it also keeps toxic waste out of places it shouldn’t be. A recent study shows 80% of U.S. streams contain trace amounts of human medicines, which cannot be removed by sewage systems, meaning they will eventually be released into lakes, rivers and oceans.

According to the Arkansas Drug Take Back website, the safest way to get rid of medicines is by high-temperature incineration at properly permitted facilities.

So how can you help? The organization has mapped out permanent drug collection sites across the state. Click here to explore the map and find a year-round site near you, and check out these Oct. 28 events from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.:

• Remedy Drug Rx, 8511 W. Markham St.
• Park Plaza Mall, 6000 W. Markham St.
• Kroger, 14000 Cantrell Road
• The Pharmacy at Wellington, 15400 Chenal Pkwy., Ste. #100
• Edwards Food Giant, 20383 Arch St.
• Walmart, 8801 Baseline Road
• McCain Mall, 3929 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock

For more info, head to the Arkansas Drug Take Back website or check it out on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.