Find a Drug Take-Back Event Near You in Tennessee

Dozens of pharmacies, banks, police departments and stores will turn into temporary pill collection sites on Oct. 28 as part of a national campaign to collect unused prescription painkillers.

Tennesseans turned in more than 87,650 pounds of pill waste — including packaging and bottles — over a recent 12-month span. In fact, 35,489 pounds of that was collected during the two national take-back days in fall 2016 and spring 2017.

Any type of pill can be dropped off.

Knox County had a collection day already this month, but meds can be dropped off any time to a locked box in the lobby of the Knoxville Police Department, 800 Howard Baker Jr. Blvd. If it's after hours, ring the bell for admission.

There will be several collection sites in the Shelby County area including at Kroger, 7615 Highway 70 in Bartlett.

“Our office is pleased to partner with DEA for this important cause," said D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Tennessee. "DEA is to be commended for its efforts to provide citizens across the country the opportunity to dispose of unused prescription painkillers. With the opioid epidemic at an all-time high, we must take advantage of every opportunity to rid our communities of drugs that destroy the lives of our fellow citizens."

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has events in surrounding counties listed at takebackday.dea.gov.

http://www.tennessean.com/story/money/industries/health-care/2017/10/23/find-prescription-drug-take-back-event-tennessee/791174001/