United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEWARK, N.J. – On October 24, 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and more than 4,200 law enforcement partners collected 645,636 pounds of unused medications as part of ongoing efforts to prevent drug misuse. This event marked DEA’s 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day with 4,212 collection sites nationwide, including 64 tribal locations.   

New Jersey residents and our law enforcement partners continued to played their role during this Take Back Day. More than 15,300 pounds of unused medications were collected across New Jersey with 227 participating police departments at 187 collection sites.

Since 2010, DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day has collected 21,679,861 pounds of unused, unwanted, and expired medications – the equivalent of more than 10,840 tons – to help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the risk of accidental overdoses and poisonings. 

“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day demonstrates the power of communities and law enforcement working together to prevent drug misuse,” said DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “New Jersey’s collection of more than 15,300 pounds reflects our shared commitment to keeping medications out of the wrong hands and protecting our families. DEA will continue working with our partners to build safer, healthier communities.”

More than 15,300 pharmacies, hospitals, businesses, and many police departments offer safe medication disposal year-round.  For information on permanent drop boxes, visit DEA’s Every Day is Take Back Day webpage.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day results are available at Take Back Day. Safe disposal of unused medications remains one of the simplest ways communities can help prevent drug misuse. 

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