National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - April 27, 2024

Helpful Highlights

• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day happens twice a year, in April and October.

• The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

• Locate a collection site near you to anonymously drop off unused or expired prescription medications for proper disposal.

What it is

The drug overdose epidemic in the U.S. is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat to all members of families, young and old. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects a commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day originated as a collaborative effort between various government agencies, particularly the DEA, and community partners. It was established to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, to prevent misuse, abuse, and environmental contamination.

The first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was held on September 25, 2010.

What it has accomplished

The October 2023 Take Back Day brought in 599,897 pounds (300 tons) of medication.

This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to more than 17.9 million pounds of medication​!

Year-round drug disposal locations

If you miss Take Back day, there are DEA-authorized collectors that provide year-round drop-off locations to the public to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals. Locate a site near you.

What should I do with unused meds?

Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances. You can make a difference by keeping track of your loved one's medicines, by rethinking where and how they are kept in their home, and by safely disposing of any unused or expired medications.

HOME DISPOSAL METHODS

• DEA - Vaping and Marijuana Concentrates: What is Vaping?

• EPA - How to Dispose of Medicines Properly

• EPA - Disposal of Medical Sharps/Needles

• FDA - Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines

• FDA - Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know

The DEA offers this Quiz to test your knowledge of proper drug disposal.