2025 National Take Back Day

Oftentimes, unwanted prescription drugs are kept or disposed of improperly, putting people's health and the environment at risk by making their way into the wrong hands or into our water bodies. This is why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”  

On National Take Back Day—which occurs twice a year in April and October—members of the public have the opportunity to take their unwanted prescription drugs to provisional collection sites all over the country. These sites are intended to collect and dispose of such drugs responsibly, making homes and our waterways safer by reducing the risk of unwarranted drug exposure. During the most recent collection day in April 2025, there were over 4,500 sites available and 620,321 pounds in total weight collected.  

What Can be Dropped Off?

Before taking medication back, it is crucial to know which ones are accepted. Below is a general list of common items. Always check with the collection site before dropping medications off.  

What is generally accepted:  

• Vitamins  
• Prescription patches  
• Prescription or over-the-counter creams/ointments  
• Prescription or over-the-counter syrups/liquids  
• Prescription or over-the-counter pet medications

What is generally NOT accepted:  

• Aerosol cans  
• Hydrogen peroxide  
• Thermometers  
• Needles  
• Inhalers  
• Illegal drugs

Controlled and uncontrolled substances are both accepted. However, in order to drop off controlled substances, you must be an “ultimate user” as defined by the federal Controlled Substances Act. See this webpage for more information.  

Where are Collection Sites Located?  

To find collection sites accessible on National Take Back Day, visit this search function by the DEA. For sites located in South Carolina, make sure to enter “SC” as the state. Additionally, mail-back programs may be available as an option for take-back. Be sure to check the DEA’s requirements for mailing unwanted medication.  

What About the Rest of the Year?  

While the official Take Back Day occurs only twice annually, collection sites are available throughout the year. They are operated only by authorized collectors (such as manufacturers) alongside law enforcement, as dictated by the DEA. To find year-round locations, visit the DEA’s year-round drop-off search utility. You may also visit SCDES’s Unwanted Medications webpage for more information and options for take-back.  

Where Can I Find More Information?     

For more information about National Take Back Day, visit the official Take Back Day website and this webpage by SCDPH.  

For more information about unwanted medications and how to dispose of them, visit SCDES’s Unwanted Medications webpage and this flyer by the DEA.