Need to get rid of old prescriptions? East Idaho drop off sites open April 26.

As part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, seven sites across eastern Idaho will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 for people to drop off medications.

The drug take back day events are hosted by several eastern Idaho law enforcement agencies and health care organizations, Eastern Idaho Public Health announced in a news release last week.

Medications — prescribed, over-the-counter and veterinary drugs — will be accepted. Vaping equipment without batteries will also be accepted, such as vape pens, cartridges and other e-cigarette devices. Needles will not be accepted.

Why are there drug take back sites?

Unused prescription drugs can be abused, or even hurt wildlife and the environment if flushed away, public health officials say.

Nearly 14% of Idaho high schoolers reported misusing prescription drugs at least once in their life, according to the 2021 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey. 

Almost 74% of Idaho students who reported misusing prescription drugs in the past year say they did it in their homes, the 2021 Idaho Healthy Youth Survey found. 

Around 48% of those students said they misused their own prescription drugs, while almost 21% say they received them from friends or family for free and nearly 19% say they bought them from friends or family, according to that survey, which surveyed kids in sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grade.

How to dispose of prescription drugs in eastern Idaho?

Drug take back sites will be open across the eight-county Eastern Idaho Public Health District, including:

Bonneville County: Blue Cross of Idaho Office, at 3630 S. 25th East in Idaho Falls

Jefferson County: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 200 Courthouse Way in Rigby

Madison County: 

• Walmart at 1450 North Second East in Rexburg
• Madison County DMV at 510 North Second East in Rexburg

Fremont County: St. Anthony City Building at 420 N. Bridge St in St. Anthony 

Teton County: Teton County Sheriff’s Office at 230 N. Main St. in Driggs

Lemhi County: Steele Memorial Medical Center’s special clinic parking lot at 805 Main St. in Salmon

People who want to dispose of prescription drugs outside of the national take back day can find drop-off locations online at the Idaho Office of Drug Policy’s website. 

In eastern Idaho, people can also visit an Eastern Idaho Public Health office to request a free drug deactivation packet.