BOISE, ID – Idaho residents are being urged to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during the 28th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The initiative, started by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2010, aims to prevent medication misuse and theft by providing easy, anonymous disposal options. Collection events are being organized by local law enforcement and prevention partners throughout Idaho.

Acceptable items for drop-off include tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid prescription drugs. Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted, provided lithium batteries are removed. Liquids must be tightly sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted.

Residents can find nearby collection sites by visiting www.dea.gov/takebackday and using the Collection Site Locator tool.

The need for proper medication disposal remains pressing. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 8.6 million Americans misused prescription pain relievers in the past year. Among those aged 12 and older who misused the drugs, about 40% obtained them from friends or relatives.

Idaho’s rate of prescription misuse stands at approximately 4.2%—about 65,000 individuals—surpassing the national rate of 3%. In 2023, Idaho recorded 386 drug overdose deaths, alongside 3,711 drug overdose-related emergency department visits in 2024, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

The Idaho Office of Drug Policy encourages all residents to participate in Saturday’s event to help improve community health and safety. Those unable to attend can find year-round disposal locations at odp.idaho.gov/prescription-drug-take-back-program.

For more information, contact Hannah Timmons, Program Specialist at the Idaho Office of Drug Policy, at 208-854-3046 or Hannah.timmons@odp.idaho.gov.