WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that communities across the nation safely disposed of more than 571,000 pounds of unneeded and expired prescription drugs during the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day held on October 25, 2025.

The event, organized in partnership with 4,263 law enforcement agencies at 4,317 collection sites nationwide, aims to prevent misuse of prescription medication and reduce the potential for overdoses. Arizona residents contributed 4,618 pounds—over two tons—of unwanted medications collected at 60 sites statewide.

Since the program’s launch in 2010, the DEA’s Take Back initiative has removed nearly 20.4 million pounds—more than 10,000 tons—of medications from circulation, helping to curb accidental poisonings and drug misuse.

For those who missed this year’s collection event, nearly 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and other facilities offer secure medication disposal year-round. A list of permanent drop box locations and additional resources can be found on the DEA’s “Every Day is Take Back Day” webpage at www.dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day.