DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for October 24

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24. The initiative provides a secure and anonymous way for the public to dispose of unused, old, or expired medications to prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, and overdose.

Across various regions, local law enforcement and community centers are serving as collection sites. In Kansas, the Pittsburg Police Department will host a site, alongside locations such as the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Coffeyville Police Department. Other participating sites include locations in Missouri and Oklahoma. In New York, collection points include Alstar EMS in Dunkirk and The Chautauqua Center in Jamestown.

Participants are encouraged to bring tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of medication. However, specific disposal rules apply: liquids must be properly sealed, and sharps, such as needles and injectors, as well as aerosol containers, must be kept separate from other medications.