SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — On Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Emily’s Hope encourages the community to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day—a nationwide initiative that provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of expired or unused medications.
Locally, Sioux Falls residents can drop off their unneeded medications at the following collection sites:
- Sioux Falls Police Department – Law Enforcement Center
- Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Harrisburg City Hall
- Brandon Police Department
- Rock County Sheriff’s Office
For additional drop-off locations on Saturday, click here.
Take Back Day aims to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs—especially opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine—which are among the most commonly misused medications. By clearing out medicine cabinets and safely disposing of these substances, families can reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, overdose, or diversion.
“Disposing of unneeded, expired medications helps us protect the safety and health of our communities,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz. “Families can minimize the risk of medications falling into the wrong hands by simply bringing unused medications to one of the 4,500 drop-off locations this Saturday.”
Accepted items include tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids such as cough syrups must be sealed in their original containers. Vaping devices and cartridges are accepted if lithium batteries are removed. Syringes, sharps, and illicit substances will not be accepted.
In the last collection event in October 2024, the DEA and its partners collected nearly 630,000 pounds of medications. Since its inception in 2010, the program has successfully removed more than 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from circulation.
Nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and law enforcement offices across the country offer year-round drug disposal options. For a full list of where you can dispose of unneeded prescription medication year round, click here.
