Need to get rid of expired medications? Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

PHOENIX — Dumping expired and unused medications in regular trash bins is a no-no. That’s why there are dozens of designated collection sites across the state.

Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back, an annual event that allows people to safely dispose of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said safely disposing of old prescription drugs can help fight the state’s opioid crisis.

“By safely disposing of their prescription medications, Arizonans can do their part to help stop the opioid epidemic and prevent further addiction,” Mayes said in a Friday news release.

What to know about National Prescription Drug Take Back 2025 event

Liquid products (such as cough syrup) should be tightly sealed in their original container. Vaping devices and cartridges can continue to be dropped off if lithium batteries are removed.

Syringes, sharps or illicit drugs won’t be accepted at collection sites.

Free, anonymous disposal of unneeded prescription medications is available at over 4,000 local drop-off locations across the U.S.

“These Drug Take-Back events are just one of the tools in our toolbox as we continue to curb the opioid epidemic and stopping the flow of fentanyl into our communities,” Mayes said.

Arizonans can drop off prescriptions at dozens of designated collection sites across the state from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Collection site locations, hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, can be found online.

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