October 22, 2025
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging all Iowans to participate in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for October 25, 2025. This biannual event is an opportunity for Iowans to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications safely and anonymously.
Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies team up to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication during this one-day event held each spring and fall. During the spring collection in April, Iowans turned in over 7,515 pounds of unneeded medicine. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 111 tons of unused medications at these events.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, while raising awareness about the risks of opioid misuse and the dangers associated with other prescription drugs.
“Take a few minutes to check your home for any unused or expired medications. Safely disposing of these items helps prevent misuse, accidental overdose, and environmental harm,” says Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of ODCP. “By taking unneeded medications to a designated collection site on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Iowans are doing their part to keep our communities healthy and safe.”
Saturday’s events will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. As part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back program, the DEA also collects vaping devices and e-cigarettes with their batteries removed. For more information or to find a site near you, visit dea.gov/takebackday.
On a year-round basis, Iowans can take excess medications to one of Iowa’s 400 permanent Prescription Drug Take Back locations. For Iowa Take Back details, including education information and collection sites, visit www.dps.iowa.gov.
Iowans needing help with their drug using behaviors or mental health concerns can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service’s YourLifeIowa.org.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together w.ith local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319