Indiana to Host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
State police posts will accept unwanted medications from Indiana residents this coming October 23 and 24.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Live Poll
Do you plan to dispose of expired or unwanted medications at a local collection site?
Indiana State Police will host collection events on October 23 and 24 to support the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This initiative offers residents a free, anonymous way to dispose of unwanted medications.
Why it matters
The program helps mitigate the risks of prescription drug misuse, theft, and accidental overdoses. It also ensures medications are handled safely, preventing environmental contamination associated with flushing or trashing drugs.
Most collection sites operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program accepts pills, liquids, and vaping cartridges with batteries removed, though it strictly prohibits needles.
The players
Indiana State Police
This law enforcement agency is responsible for organizing the collection events at its various posts throughout the state.
Drug Enforcement Administration
The federal agency sponsors the national initiative to provide a safe and convenient method for prescription drug disposal.
The details
Residents can bring unused or expired medications to participating Indiana State Police posts for anonymous disposal. This service prevents the risks associated with improper household medication storage.
Timeline
Lafayette and Putnamville collection events occur on October 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Most state posts will hold their collection events on October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health Landscape
This event follows a pattern set by the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which coordinates biannual collection efforts nationwide. It reflects broader efforts to reduce community access to controlled substances through standardized disposal programs.
Residents can improve home safety by clearing out medicine cabinets, reducing the chance of accidental ingestion or theft. Participants should visit the official website to verify the nearest participating post before heading out.
The takeaway
Safely disposing of unused medications is a simple step to prevent accidental overdoses in the household. Residents are encouraged to remove personal information from pill bottles before dropping them off at a collection site.
Further reading
For additional context on local efforts, visit the Indiana Substance Abuse section.
More information
To find participating state police locations, visit the Indiana State Police portal.
Live Poll
Do you plan to dispose of expired or unwanted medications at a local collection site?
