DEA Take Back Day
What Is DEA Take Back Day — And Why It Matters
Each year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day—a biannual event, typically held in April and October, that allows people to safely dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications.
The DEA Diversion Control Division explains that the event aims to prevent misuse and diversion, as many cases of prescription drug misuse begin with leftover pills in home medicine cabinets. It also helps protect the environment, since flushing or throwing away medications can contribute to water contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Georgia Consumer Protection. Additionally, Take Back Day helps raise awareness by encouraging people to regularly clean out their homes and learn about safe disposal practices.
When Is the Next Take Back Day?
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., according to the DEA Diversion Control Division.
What You Can and Cannot Bring
During these events—and at many year-round drop boxes—people can bring tablets, capsules, patches, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and sealed liquids (within allowed size limits), as noted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and DEA Diversion Control Division.
However, most collection sites do not accept needles, syringes, inhalers, aerosols, chemotherapy or radioactive drugs, illicit substances, or medical devices containing batteries, according to the DEA and Georgia Consumer Protection. It’s always best to check with your local drop-off site ahead of time for accepted items and operating hours.
The DEA will also collect vape pens and other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers—but only after the batteries have been removed from the devices. The DEA is not responsible for removing batteries, so consumers should do so prior to drop-off. If the battery cannot be removed, individuals can check with large electronic chain stores that may accept vape pens or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Consumers may also contact their local Hazardous Materials Management Facility to determine if they accept these devices and to get additional guidance on safe and proper disposal.
Year-Round Drop-Off and Permanent Drop Boxes
One of the strengths of the DEA Take Back initiative is that it also supports year-round medication disposal options. The DEA Diversion Control Division reports that there are more than 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses nationwide that serve as authorized collectors.
In Georgia, secure drug drop boxes are located in Sheriff’s and Police Departments across 153 counties, according to the Office of the Attorney General. Many of these boxes are accessible 24/7 (though hours may vary) and are managed by local law enforcement.
Join us for DEA Take Back Day! 💊
We’re teaming up with the Northwest Family YMCA to help our community safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
📅 Date: October 25
🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 Location: 1700 Dennis Kemp Ln NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152
Clean out your medicine cabinet and make a difference — safe disposal helps keep our community and environment healthy!