Travis County to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

AUSTIN, TX - On Saturday, October 26th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Travis County Constables will team up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to give the public an opportunity to dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs safely. Residents can drop off their medication at any of the five Constable offices listed below. This service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

Prescription Drug Drop-Off Locations

George Morales

Constable Pct. Four

4011 McKinney Falls Pkwy #1100

Austin, TX 78744 (Map)

(512) 854-9488 Carlos Lopez

Constable Pct. Five

1003 Guadalupe St

Austin, TX 78701 (Map)

(512) 854-9100

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential abuse of medications. The misuse and improper disposal of expired and unwanted prescription drugs is a growing problem in our country and threatens municipal water supplies.

Last spring, Americans turned in nearly 468 tons (more than 937,443 lbs.) of prescription drugs at more than 6,258 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,969 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 17 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have collected nearly 11 million pounds—approximately 5,900 tons—of pills. Overall, Texas received a total of 92,511 pounds a 37% increase.

“Dropping off your excess medication is a great way to protect our water quality and keep the community safe”, said Travis County Constable Precinct 2 Adan Ballesteros. “Here at Precinct 2 we are proud this is our 7th event to participate and provide this resource.”

The Drug Take-Back initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Medications that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses. Studies show the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from home medicine cabinets of family and friends. Disposing of unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards, including harming water supplies. Take advantage of this free event for proper prescription disposal.

Event information and collection site locations available online on the DEA's National Rx Take Back Day website.

For year-round take-back locations, visit the Prescription Takeback Kiosk.