The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 24, 2026.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, while raising awareness about the risks of opioid misuse and the dangers associated with other prescription drugs.
Twice a year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) partners with local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication safely and responsibly. During the collection in April, Iowans turned in over 6,871 pounds of unneeded medicine. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 118 tons of unused medications at these events.
“Properly disposing of unneeded medication helps prevent misuse and accidental overdose,” says Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of ODCP. “By taking unused medications to a designated collection site, Iowans are doing their part to keep our communities healthy and safe.”
Saturday’s events are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. The DEA and its 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 container. Syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs are not collected. As part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back program, the DEA also collects vaping devices and e-cigarettes with their batteries removed. Find a site near you.
On a year-round basis, people can take excess medications to one of Iowa’s 400 permanent Prescription Drug Take Back locations. Iowa Take Back details, including education information and collection sites.
