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  3. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Last Updated: Monday March 31, 2025


DEA National Take Back Day logo

Mark your calendars! The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 26, 2025, from 10am-2pm (local time) at locations nationwide.

This event, which happens twice a year, is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country. Find a location near you.

The October 2024 Take Back Day brought in 629,953 lbs. (314 tons) of medication. Get more details about the most recent Take Back Day numbers.

This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to more than 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons) of medication​. 

Learn more about ways to properly dispose of your meds below.

 

What Should You Do With Your Unused Meds?

Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances. 

You can make a difference by keeping track of the medicine you have, by rethinking where and how you keep your medications in your home, and by safely disposing of any unused medications. Read more about ways to secure your meds and safely dispose of them at home.

 

Quiz: Test your knowledge on proper drug disposal.


 


See Related

Prescription for Disaster 2023 Thumbnail

Learn more about the dangers of prescription medications and teens by reading Prescription for Disaster: How Teens Misuse Medicine in English and Spanish.

How to Properly Dispose of Your Unused Medince

Learn how to properly dispose of prescription medication.

Take Back Day Handout.png

Check out these 'Take Back' day pamphlets in English and in Spanish. 

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prescription drugs

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