What is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day?
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for April 26, 2025, is a nationwide initiative organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that provides communities with a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications.
This event reflects the DEA’s 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 from ever starting.
Expert Insight
Former DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasized the critical importance of this initiative: “Properly disposing of unneeded medications is essential. It stops drug poisonings and minimizes the risk for misuse. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a free and easy way to come together as a community to turn the tide on the drug poisoning epidemic.”
Why It Matters
The importance of proper medication disposal extends beyond individual households to community health and environmental safety:
- Preventing Medication Misuse: Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances. Removing unused medications from your home helps prevent potential misuse.
- Protecting Children and Teens: Unused medications in home medicine cabinets are a leading source of accidental poisoning for young children and potential misuse by teenagers.
- Environmental Protection: Medications flushed down toilets or thrown in trash can contaminate water supplies and harm the environment.
- Impressive Impact: The October 2024 Take Back Day collected 629,953 pounds (314 tons) of medication, bringing the total amount collected by the DEA since 2010 to more than 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons).
How to Participate in Drug Take Back Day
Participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is simple and anonymous:
- Find a Collection Site: Visit a collection site near you and drop your items into a bin. No questions are asked, and the entire process takes just minutes.
- Collection Time: The event runs from 10am to 2pm local time on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
- Acceptable Items for Safe Disposal: You can dispose of:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Medication samples
- Pet medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Vape pens and e-cigarette devices (with batteries removed)
Finding a Drug Take Back Location Near You
To find a collection site near you, visit the DEA’s Take Back Day website (www.dea.gov/takebackday) and enter your zip code or county/city/state in the search tool.
The DEA website makes it easy to locate the closest collection site – simply type in your zip code to find convenient locations in your area.
Year-Round Medication Disposal Options
If you miss the official Take Back Day, there are still options for safe medication disposal:
You can take advantage of year-round drop-off locations. There are more than 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses working to help clean out medicine cabinets throughout the year. Many police departments also provide year-round drop boxes.
To find year-round drug disposal locations, use Google Maps and type “drug disposal near me” or “medication disposal near me” to find your nearest approved disposal location.
Safe Medication Disposal Resources
- DEA Take Back Day Website: www.dea.gov/takebackday
- Year-Round Collection Sites: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback
- Every Day is Take Back Day: www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day
- FDA Guidance on Drug Disposal: www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-drug-take-back-options
Clarest Health’s Commitment to Medication Safety
At Clarest Health, we’re committed to promoting community health and wellness through education and action. By participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, you’re joining a nationwide effort to prevent medication misuse, reduce the risk of addiction, and protect our environment.
Mark your calendar for April 26, 2025, and take this simple step to safeguard your home and community. Safe medication disposal helps create healthier communities for everyone.