April 25 is National Prescription Take Back Day

Safe storage and safe disposal of prescription medications helps keep them out of the wrong hands, away from pets and out of the environment.

Keeping old or unused medications at home may seem harmless, but it can increase the risk of substance misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental harm. Medications left in cabinets could end up in the hands of those the prescription does not belong to and flushing them or tossing them in the trash could contaminate water supplies.

The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) has a campaign called Do Your Part which focuses on safe storage and safe disposal of prescription medications. It is not just about keeping them out of the hands of other people but also away from pets and out of the environment when disposing of them. To help keep prescription medications stored safely, the VDH offers free lock bags as well as mail back prescription disposal bags which you can request directly from their website here https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/programs-services/prescription-drug-disposal.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 25, 2026. It’s a nationwide effort that encourages people to safely dispose of expired or unused medications. It typically happens twice a year, in April and October, and offers convenient drop-off locations at pharmacies, police stations, and community centers. A drop off location can be found at https://www.dea.gov/takebackday. There are also year-round drop off locations that can be utilized, that information can be found at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-drug-take-back-options.

Take Back Day provides a simple and secure solution: medications are collected and disposed of safely, helping protect your household and your community. Clearing out expired or unused medications not only reduces potential health risks but also plays a meaningful role in prevention by addressing the broader issue of prescription misuse. If you cannot make it to a drop-off location, there are other ways to dispose of expired or unused medications such as, mail back bags from the Vermont Department of Health and other disposable bags available through retailers such as RX Destroyer and Deterra, among others, that you put the medication into and eventually place into the trash.

If you find yourself struggling with prescription misuse or any substance use, there is help. VT Helplink listens when you need someone and can refer you to services and resources that are catered to what you need. They are available 24/7 Call or text “LINK” to 802-565-5465 or visit them online at https://vthelplink.org/.

By Sara Stearns, BSW, CPS, VPLO, Region 2 Prevention Coordinator for Addison and Rutland Counties.