OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal drug enforcement officials say nearly 9 tons (8.16 metric tons) of medication was collected last month in Nebraska and Iowa as part of a program that allows the public to turn in unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs.
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration says more than 5,660 pounds (2,567.36 kilograms) of medication was turned in at 47 sites in Nebraska the DEA’s Drug Take-Back Day held April 27. In Iowa, 11,680 pounds (5,298.01 kilograms) of prescription medication was collected.
The DEA says that since the program began in 2010, Nebraska has collected 94,149 pounds (42,705.71 kilograms) of discarded drugs, and Iowa has collected 135,255 pounds (61,351.27 kilograms).
The program is intended to curb prescription drug abuse and overdoses and accidental poisonings.