(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) encourages Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on 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 safely and responsibly collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication. During the April collection, 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. Securely seal liquid products, such as cough syrup, 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.
Year-round, 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.
Iowans needing help with drug-use behaviors or mental health concerns can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ YourLifeIowa.org.
