National Prescription Take Back Day Now Includes Vape Products

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day saw a change this time around. For the first time, unwanted vaping devices and cartridges were accepted in a sign of the times on Saturday.

The Drug Enforcement Agency made the announcement earlier this week.

Drop-off points accepted vape products, some of which have been linked to critical and in some cases, fatal lung disorders.

Vaping has been tied to more than 1,000 injuries nationwide and several deaths.

The batteries had to be taken out of e-cigarettes before they were turned in.

Drop-off programs are offered a few times annually for people to get rid of unwanted prescriptions.

"We're out here just collecting medications that are expired or opioids," student pharmacist Andrew Aitken said. "[They're] dangerous if people hold onto them too long. There's a chance they take the wrong medication."

Nationally, DEA has collected more than 11 million pounds of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications.