National Drug Take Back Day Expands, Updates Guidelines

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, organized by the DEA and law enforcement agencies nationwide, will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering safe, anonymous disposal of expired or unused medications. Collection sites will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid drug forms, as well as vaping devices and cartridges with batteries removed, while most will not accept needles, syringes, aerosols, illicit drugs, and, in some cases, liquids. The initiative aims to prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental contamination from improper disposal. Residents unable to attend can use permanent disposal boxes available year-round in many states. Since its inception, Take Back Day has removed millions of pounds of medications from circulation, contributing to community safety and environmental protection. Participating states now include New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Hawaii, Indiana, West Virginia, and more, with specific locations and guidelines provided by local law enforcement and the DEA website.