DES MOINES – National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, and Iowans with unused or expired prescription drugs are encouraged to take part.

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. 

Saturday’s events are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. Locally, there will be collection sites at Mahaska Drug in Oskaloosa, the Pella Police Department, the Knoxville Walmart, the Grinnell Police Department, the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fairfield Walmart.

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.