The 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held on April 25, 2026, was a record-breaking success in the effort to reduce prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and overdoses. Working through 4,306 law enforcement agencies nationwide, the event collected 642,410 pounds of unneeded and expired medications, surpassing the 571,054 pounds collected during the October 2025 event. Since the program began in 2010, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has collected more than 21 million pounds of unnecessary medications from homes and communities across the country.
Virginia joined the nationwide initiative through the Commonwealth’s Drug Take Back Program, administered by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, Virginia State Police, and local law enforcement agencies. The program provides residents with safe, secure, and anonymous options for disposing of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Virginia has long been a strong participant in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day efforts. In April 2024, the Commonwealth operated 161 collection sites and collected 17,425 pounds of unused medications. The April 2026 event continued Virginia’s commitment to reducing prescription drug misuse and protecting public health through responsible medication disposal.
Residents who missed National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can still safely dispose of medications year-round through participating pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. Officials encourage making medication disposal a regular habit, not just on Take Back Day, to help keep potentially dangerous substances out of the wrong hands.
Learn More
• Virginia Drug Take Back Program: https://www.oag.
• Virginia Department of Health Take Back Day Information: https://www.vdh.
• DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: https://www.dea.gov/
• DEA State-by-State April 2026 Collection Totals: https://www.dea.gov/
• Get Smart About Drugs: https://www.