FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana State Police are encouraging residents to safely dispose of unused prescription medications during National Drug Take Back Day. Collection sites across the state will accept unwanted medications on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Officials say the effort helps reduce accidental poisonings, overdoses, and prescription drug misuse.

ISP with the Fort Wayne Post released the following:

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring its nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative. The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for liquid and pill medications. Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken. Needles, new or used, WILL NOT be accepted for disposal. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, 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.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

Once again, the Indiana State Police is pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post. The event will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The Indiana State Police Posts in Lafayette and Putnamville will have their collections on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

To locate the State Police Post closest to your home or business,  click this link to find Indiana State Police Posts on the map.  To find other locations in Indiana or across the U.S. that are participating in the Drug Take Back initiative,  click this link to the DEA.