United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will host the 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide. 

Twice a year, DEA joins forces with local law enforcement and community groups to host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, giving the public a safe and anonymous way to dispose of expired and unused prescription medications. By getting rid of unnecessary medications in the home, families can help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental poisonings. 

“Removing unused and expired medications from your home and disposing of them properly is a simple but powerful step in preventing prescription drug misuse,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a critical public safety initiative that we have hosted for 16 years. Its continued success is due, in large part, to our local and state law enforcement and community partners who continue to stand with us to make our communities safe.”

“Prescription drugs can be powerful and even lethal – especially when unmonitored,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Join us in the DEA’s National Take Back Day to lessen community risk from drug abuse and keep Americans safe!”

“I encourage everyone with excess prescription drugs to participate in DEA’s National Take Back Day and help prevent drug abuse and protect our children,” said National Drug Control Policy Director Sara Carter. “Our nation is safer and healthier when we keep prescription pills from falling into the wrong hands.”

“Cleaning out your home medicine cabinet and safely disposing of unneeded or expired medications is a great way to help safeguard the community by keeping potentially harmful pills off of our streets,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “It’s a small act that can pay big dividends.”

Since 2010, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided an easy and accessible way to dispose of medications that could pose a threat if misused. Over the past 16 years, National Prescription Take Back Day has removed more than 20 million pounds of unwanted medications from communities across the United States.

Opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are among the most misused prescription pain medications, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should be securely sealed in their original container.

Syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs are not collected. To learn how to properly dispose of these items we encourage you to visit FDA.gov.

To find the Take Back Day location nearest you visit www.DEATakeBack.com. 

For those unable to participate in this month’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are more than 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes to ensure Every Day is Take Back Day.

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