DEA Hosts 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Twice-yearly event provides safe disposal of expired and unused medications

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:20pm

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host the 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide. The event gives the public a safe and anonymous way to dispose of expired and unused prescription medications, helping to prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings.

Why it matters

Removing unused medications from homes is a critical step in combating the opioid crisis and reducing the potential for prescription drug misuse. DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has collected over 20 million pounds of unwanted medications since 2010, making communities safer by keeping these potentially harmful drugs off the streets.

The details

During the event, DEA and its local law enforcement and community 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 containers. Syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs are not collected. There are at least 60 collection sites across Kentucky, and people can find the nearest location by visiting www.DEATakeBack.com.

  • The 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The players

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States.

Terrance Cole

DEA Administrator, who emphasized the importance of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in preventing prescription drug misuse.

Jim Scott

Special Agent in Charge of DEA's Louisville Field Division, who encouraged the public to safely dispose of unneeded or expired medications.

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What they’re saying

“Removing unused and expired medications from your home and disposing of them properly is a simple but powerful step in preventing prescription drug misuse.”

— Terrance Cole, DEA Administrator

“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. It's a small act that can pay big dividends.”

— Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division

What’s next

The public can find the nearest National Prescription Drug Take Back Day collection site by visiting www.DEATakeBack.com. For those unable to participate on April 25, there are over 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round, and many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes.

The takeaway

DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a critical public safety initiative that has collected over 20 million pounds of unwanted medications since 2010, helping to prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings. By safely disposing of expired and unused medications, individuals can play a key role in keeping their communities safe.