Got Old Meds? Here’s Where to Dispose of Them in Indiana on April 26

The Indiana State Police, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host the annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Why Drug Take Back Day Matters

When you and your doctor are trying to find the right prescription medication for your particular needs, it can sometimes be an effort in trial and error. This often leads to leftover medications that you no longer need, but disposing of them appropriately is important. Fortunately, the annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a wonderful community resource.

The nationwide initiative is designed to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by offering a way for the public to properly dispose of prescription drugs that are expired, unused, and unwanted. In addition to preventing abuse and theft, it also helps to ensure that the drugs are disposed of in a way that prevents damage to the environment.

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A Safer, Greener Alternative

Flushing unused medications down the toilet or tossing them in the trash to find their way to the landfill poses health and safety hazards. The Prescription Drug Take Back offers an alternative that takes into account these important public health and safety issues.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Unused or expired medication in home cabinets is highly susceptible to theft, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

What You Can (and Can’t) Drop Off

The collection sites across the nation, including here in Indiana, will accept medications for disposal in both pill and liquid form. Additionally, they will accept vaping cartridges and vaping pens that do not have a battery. The Indiana State Police point out that "the service is free and anonymous with no questions asked."

When & Where to Participate in Indiana

The Prescription Drug Take Back will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 am until 2 pm local time. During the Take Back, any unwanted, unused, or expired medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post.

How to Find the Nearest Drop-Off Site

To find the nearest Indiana State Police Post to you and your home or business, visit this map of Indiana State Police posts. If you need to access locations outside of Indiana that are participating in the Drug Take Back initiative, visit the DEA website here.

[SOURCE: ISP Sgt: Todd Ringle via Facebook]