SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With exceptional public participation during 16 prior events, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to collect increasing amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes where they may be vulnerable to misuse, theft, or abuse.

In continuation of this effort, DEA and its national, tribal and community partners will hold the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the country on Saturday, April 27. The service is free and anonymous.

Now in its ninth year, DEA San Francisco Division has collected a total of nearly 233 tons of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications from Northern California and Central Valley residents through its Take Back Day events.

This weekend, nearly 140 collection sites manned by nearly 90 partner law enforcement agencies will be open 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time from Bakersfield to the Northern California border. The public can find a nearby collection site AT THIS LINK or by calling 800-882-9539. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.)

“The abuse of prescription drugs is America’s fastest-growing drug problem, and too many people are dying or being seriously injured by the misuse of such drugs,” U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott stated.

“Young people are particularly at risk," continued Scott. "Since people who abuse prescription drugs may get them from family members or friends, it is imperative that we all take steps to dispose of drugs that are no longer needed.”

“Prescription drugs in the home are susceptible to diversion and misuse. Take Back Day provides a free and anonymous opportunity to dispose of unwanted medication in an environmentally safe manner,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen.

“By participating in this event you are making your home and our community safer," Nielson explained.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.