The El Paso Community will be able to drop off unused medications at UTEP during their participation in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 22, 2016.

Motorists should be in the left-hand lane as they approach the yellow zone in front of the building. Drivers may drop off their unwanted medicines into containers that will be set up along the curb. A UTEP crime prevention specialist and a Drug Enforcement Administration representative will be there to accept the items.

The purpose of this event, organized by the DEA, is to provide convenient locations for residents to dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs or expired over-the-counter medicines in a safe way.

According to University Police crime prevention coordinator, Juan Rabelo, UTEP has served as a drop-off site since 2007 and last year alone collected just over 74 pounds of unused medication. UTEP was among the more than 5,400 drop-off sites nationally that collected about 447 tons of unwanted prescription drugs. According to the DEA, about 3,200 tons of unused medicines have been collected since the program began six years ago.

Those who are taking medications should remove their personal information from the prescription medication, but that it is not necessary because the boxes of discarded drugs are taped shut at the end of the day and taken to a safe DEA location where the medication is counted and properly disposed.

For more information visit the DEA Diversion Control Division website for a drop-off location near you.

  • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative
  • The University of Texas at El Paso
  • Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016
  • Drop-off site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Campbell Building, 1101 N. Campbell St.
UTEP Drop Off
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