United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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.   

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. 

“Twice a year communities across the country come together for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to help remove unused and unwanted medications from homes, reducing the risk of misuse, accidental poisonings, and overdoses,” said DEA Administrator Terry Cole. “The collection of more than 645,000 pounds of medications this fall reflects the continued commitment of the public and our law enforcement partners to keep families safe.”

“The success of Take Back Day reflects what can be accomplished when law enforcement, community organizations, and the public work together toward a common goal,” said Cindy Marx, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. “In the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, 190 law enforcement and community partners supported 350 collection sites, resulting in the safe disposal of more than 33,955 pounds of unused medications. Every pound collected represents an opportunity to prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, and overdose. We are grateful to our employees, partners and community members whose commitment helps protect our families and keep our communities safe.”

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.