DEA’s National Take Back Day Set for April 26 to Curb Prescription Drug Misuse

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is preparing to host its 28th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 26, offering Americans a secure and anonymous opportunity to dispose of unneeded prescription medications. The event, supported by more than 4,400 law enforcement agencies, will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at nearly 4,500 locations nationwide. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to combat the misuse of prescription drugs by removing them from homes before they can be diverted or abused.

First launched in 2010, National Take Back Day is one of several strategies employed by the DEA to promote public safety and health through safe medication disposal. Over the past sixteen years, the program has collected and destroyed more than 19.2 million pounds of unused medications. In its most recent event in October 2024, the agency collected nearly 630,000 pounds of prescription drugs. The DEA’s longstanding partnerships with local and state law enforcement and community groups have been central to the initiative’s success.

This year’s collection effort will include tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid prescription drug forms. While liquids such as cough syrups will be accepted if sealed in original containers, syringes, sharps, and illicit substances are excluded. The event will also accept vaping devices and cartridges, provided lithium batteries are removed. The DEA’s disposal guidelines are designed to ensure environmental safety and compliance with federal regulations.

Take Back locations in the greater Washington County area include:

• Maryland State Police — Barrack O, Hagerstown, MD
• Shepherdstown Police Department — Shepherdstown, WV
• Frederick County Health Department — Frederick, MD
• Carroll Valley Borough Police Department — Carroll Valley, PA
• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office — Kearneysville, WV
• Maryland State Police — Barrack B, Frederick, MD
• Biglerville Police Department — Biglerville, PA
• Biglerville Fire Department — Biglerville, PA

For those unable to participate in Saturday’s event, year-round disposal options are available at approximately 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and law enforcement facilities. These permanent collection sites serve to extend the benefits of Take Back Day throughout the year.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration

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