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IOWA — Pharmacies across the state are encouraging people to check their medications and clear out all medicines that are expired or unused during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

October 26 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, grocery stores, police stations, and pharmacies across the state will be accepting a variety of medicines.

“This event is a good opportunity to get rid of any unwanted, expired, or unused medications. Just so that people who are child age or something like that can’t get ahold of them and take them accidentally,” said Alisha Helbing, a pharmacist at the Indianola Walmart.

Over the past several years it’s been a statewide effort to increase the availability of drop off locations. Since 2020 over 1,000 disposal kiosks have been installed at Sam’s Club and Walmart locations nationwide.

“Make it a habit to check your home for unneeded medications and look for opportunities like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to dispose of them the right way,” said Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of the Office of Drug Control Policy. “This is a simple action we all can take to help prevent drug misuse, protect the environment, and support our communities.”

This event happens twice a year during April and October. In April 2024, over 5,000 pounds of unneeded or expired medicines were collected. In total, an estimated 103 tons of unused medications have been overturned during Prescription Take Back events.

The event is HIPPA protected, meaning people won’t get in trouble or be questioned for what they turn in. It’s recommended that you peel any prescription labels off of bottles to further protect yourself or others.

“Anything over the counter, any prescription, insulin, needles, e-cigarettes. Anything that you want out of your house they will take,” said Helbing.

People are also able to bring vaping devices as long as the batteries are removed.

Select locations, such as the Indianola Walmart, will also be doing a flu shot event later in the day. Simply stop by with your ID and insurance information and you can get vaccinated.

To find the nearest Prescription Take Back location, click here.

Though the event acts as a good annual reminder to maintain your medicine cabinets. There are over 400 permanent Prescription Drug Take Back locations across Iowa, check out your closest locations here.