DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging all Iowans to participate in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for October 25, 2025. 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 team 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 7,515 pounds of unneeded medicine. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 111 tons of unused medications at these events.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible 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.

“Take a few minutes to check your home for any unused or expired medications. Safely disposing of these items helps prevent misuse, accidental overdose, and environmental harm,” says Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of ODCP. “By taking unneeded medications to a designated collection site on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Iowans are doing their part to keep our communities healthy and safe.”

Locally, sites will be open at the Pella Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Marion County; at the Grinnell Police Department in Poweshiek County; and at the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office in Appanoose County.

Saturday’s 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 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, Iowans 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 their drug using behaviors or mental health concerns can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service’s YourLifeIowa.org.