Minnesota to Mark National Drug Take Back Day Soon
Residents can dispose of unused medications at hundreds of local collection sites across the state on October 24, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Minnesota residents are encouraged to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2026. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and substance misuse by providing safe disposal options for unwanted pills, liquids, and ointments.
Why it matters
Half of individuals who misuse prescription pain relievers obtain them for free from friends or relatives, while leftover supplies pose an accidental ingestion risk to children. Proper disposal helps prevent these medications from being diverted or causing harm at home.
Since 2010, the DEA has collected over 20 million pounds of medications, and Minnesota currently hosts 576 year-round disposal sites. The state-wide network includes dedicated drop boxes at sheriff offices and police departments in Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne counties.
The players
Drug Enforcement Administration
The federal law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing controlled substances laws and manages national efforts to safely dispose of prescription medications.
Stearns County Sheriff
The local law enforcement office maintains secure medication drop boxes and establishes specific operational guidelines for chemical disposal within its jurisdiction.
The details
Most locations accept various forms of medication, though needles and sharps are strictly prohibited at all disposal sites. Residents in Stearns County should note that medications in glass containers must be placed in padded envelopes before drop-off.
Timeline
The DEA began tracking total medication collection volume in 2010.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day occurs on October 24, 2026.
The Big Picture
This effort follows the protocol set by the DEA Public Disposal Locations search tool to manage pharmaceutical waste. It marks a broader shift toward public participation in secure disposal programs to reduce the availability of controlled substances in the community.
Residents can utilize the DEA search tool or MyOldMeds.com to identify specific collection sites near their zip code. Properly clearing out medicine cabinets significantly reduces the risk of accidental ingestion for young children in the home.
The takeaway
Take the time to audit your home medicine cabinet for expired or unused drugs before the upcoming collection date. Securely disposing of these items is a simple step that directly protects vulnerable family members and prevents future medication misuse.
What happens next
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on October 24, 2026, across the state.
Further reading
Find more resources on safe medication practices on the Minnesota Substance Abuse page.
More information
To locate a disposal site in your area, visit the DEA Public Disposal Locations search tool.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KNSI.
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Is now a good time for you to clean out your medicine cabinet of unused drugs?
