The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging all Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for Saturday. 

This biannual event is an opportunity for Iowans to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications safely and anonymously. Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies are teaming up to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication during this one-day event held each spring and fall. During the spring collection in April, Iowans turned in over 5,077 pounds of unneeded medicine. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 103 tons of unused medications at these events.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the public about the potential for the dangerous misuse of opioid pain relievers and other drugs. Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take Back events will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. As part of the national Prescription Drug Take Back program, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also allows the collection of vaping devices and e-cigarettes from individuals so long as batteries are first removed from the devices. Local sites include the Pella Police Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. For locations throughout the entire state you can follow this link.