United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Washington, DC – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host its 25th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in more than 300 collection sites across Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia (DMV).

Through a collaborative effort with local law enforcement agencies, Take Back Day has been able to successfully remove over 8,300 tons of unused and expired medication from circulation since the initiative began. This program provides individuals with a safe and convenient way to dispose of their unwanted medication, reducing the risk of it falling into the wrong hands or harming the environment. With the continued support of law enforcement and communities, Take Back Day is committed to promoting public health and safety by properly disposing of these potentially dangerous substances.

Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division commented that “during the past event in April, we were able to collect over 29,500 pounds, thanks to our local and state partners. Take Back events are more important than ever, as many individuals who die from drug poisoning unknowingly took a fake pill laced with fentanyl and many other dangerous drugs. Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure that everything is set up and ready to go for the over 300 collection sites available on October 28 throughout the DMV region,"

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division seized over 8.3 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl in 2022. “This lethal drug is poisoning our citizens regardless of age, race, residence, or socioeconomic status. It is shocking that the amount of fentanyl [fake pills and powder] confiscated by our teams and state and local partners would have potentially killed 54% of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia residents,” Forget emphasized. 

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container, and the cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. For more information and to find the nearest location site visit our webpage www.deaTakeBackday.com and use the Collection Site Locator. 

DEA reminds everyone that legitimate pharmaceutical pills cannot be bought on social media. The only safe medications are those prescribed directly by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. One Pill can Kill. For additional information and resources, including our Caregivers Fact Sheet, visit DEA.gov/onepill.