The DEA publishes the total number of prescription drug take-back days for the Rocky Mountain Field Division

CASPER, Wyo. – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Field Division announced it collected over 12 tons of unwanted, unneeded or expired medications during the 27th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 26.

At the event, which took place in Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming, residents dropped off a total of 24,022 pounds of prescription medication. This brings the total amount of drugs collected by the RMFD since the program began to more than 18 million pounds, the DEA said in a news release.

“I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance with Take Back… but most of all, I thank the people of Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming who got rid of their unwanted, unnecessary or expired medications,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Special Agent in Charge Division, Jonathan Pullen. “Together, our DEA division employees have dispensed more than 12 tons of prescription drugs in four states. Removing these items from homes can be an important step in preventing potential abuse.”

The state-by-state breakdown of medications collected is as follows:

• Colorado: 11,471 pounds
• Utah: 9,595 pounds
• Montana: 1,453 pounds
• Wyoming: 1,503 pounds

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a biennial event designed to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs while educating the general public about the possibility of drug abuse.

While the nationwide Take Back event occurs twice a year, on the last Saturdays in April and October, the DEA reminds the public that every day is Take Back Day. Collection sites are available year-round throughout the four-state region.

For those who were unable to attend the October 26 event, a list of year-round collection locations is available on the DEA website: Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov

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