COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) thanked Ohioans for properly disposing of an estimated 18 tons (36,408 pounds) of unneeded, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of prescription drug disposal. Unused prescription drugs in homes create a public health and safety concern because the medications can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused, and abused.

“The fact that approximately 18 tons of pills were disposed of in Ohio during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day clearly shows the importance of safely disposing of prescription pills – especially opioids,” said Attorney General DeWine.

Those who are still in possession of unneeded prescription drugs can drop them off at one of several prescription drug drop box locations across the state.