More Than 188 Tons Of Unwanted Prescription Drugs Collected
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration says that Americans turned in more than 188 tons of old or unwanted medicines in a second daylong, nationwide effort aimed at reducing prescription drug abuse and keeping the drugs out of the water supply.
The DEA said that last Saturday's collection at more than 5,300 sites brought in 55 percent more drugs than the first "take-back" day in September.
The agency says that surveys show that more Americans abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens combined.
When people dispose of unused prescriptions, they often flush the drugs down the toilet, potentially sending unwanted medicines into the water supply.
Authorities incinerate the drugs they collect.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
