(Des Moines) 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, April 25, 2026. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired 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 safely and responsibly collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medications. During the collection in October, Iowans turned in over 7,071 pounds of unneeded medicine. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 114 tons of unused medications at these events.
“Properly disposing of unneeded medication helps prevent misuse, accidental overdose, and environmental harm,” says Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of ODCP. “I encourage all Iowans to include their medicine cabinets in their spring-cleaning routine. 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, and 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. For more information or to find a site near you, visit dea.gov/takebackday.
On a year-round basis, people can take excess medications to one of Iowa’s 400 permanent Prescription Drug Take Back locations. For Iowa Take Back details, including education information and collection sites, visit www.dps.iowa.gov.
Iowans needing help with drug using behaviors or mental health concerns can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service’s YourLifeIowa.org .
