LEXINGTON, Ky. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will host the 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, providing residents with a safe, anonymous way to dispose of expired and unused medications. According to Kentucky Health News, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide, with at least 60 collection sites across Kentucky.

The semiannual initiative aims to prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental poisonings by removing medications from homes. Since launching in 2010, the program has collected more than 20 million pounds of unwanted medications nationwide. During the October 2025 event, collections totaled over 571,000 pounds nationally, with Kentucky contributing thousands of pounds to the effort.

Residents can find their nearest collection site by visiting www.DEATakeBack.com. The event accepts tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products such as cough syrup must be securely sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs are not accepted.

In Lexington and surrounding areas, law enforcement agencies including the Lexington Police Department partner with the DEA to host collection events. Participants can drop off medications with no questions asked and at no cost. This service is particularly important, as misuse of prescription drugs, especially opioids, remains a significant public health concern in Kentucky. The Lexington Police Department offers permanent year-round disposal at its headquarters for those unable to participate Saturday.

For those missing the April event, more than 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses nationwide offer safe medication disposal services throughout the year. Many local police departments also maintain permanent drop boxes to ensure residents have continuous access to safe disposal options.