LOGAN – Utah and Idaho residents are encouraged to safely dispose of unused medications during the 28th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, taking place Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organized nationally by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration since 2010, Take Back Day provides a free, anonymous way to turn in expired or unwanted prescription medications that could otherwise contribute to misuse or theft. Local law enforcement and prevention partners have set up collection sites across Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho.
Accepted items include tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted if lithium batteries are removed. However, liquids must remain tightly sealed in their original containers, and sites will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs.
In Cache Valley, Bear Lake, and Box Elder County, local drop-off locations include:
- Utah State University Police Department in the Taggart Student Center
- North Park Police Department
- Cache Rich Drug Task Force (62 West 300 North, Logan)
- Walmart in North Logan
- Walmart Pharmacy in Logan
- Cache County Sheriff’s Office
- Ridley’s Market in Hyrum
- Preston City Police Department
- Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Montpelier Police Department
- Rich County Sheriff’s Office – Garden City Office
- Tremonton-Garland Police Department
- Brigham City Police Department
Residents can find details about the nearest drop-off location to their residence by visiting www.dea.gov/takebackday.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 8.6 million Americans misused prescription pain relievers last year. In Idaho, the problem is even more pronounced: 4.2 percent of residents aged 12 and older—roughly 65,000 people—reported misusing prescription pain relievers, compared to 3 percent nationally.
Drug overdose-related deaths and emergency room visits continue to rise in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare reported 386 overdose deaths in 2023 and 3,711 overdose-related emergency department visits so far in 2024.
Officials say removing unused medications from homes is critical to preventing misuse. For those who miss Saturday’s event, year-round disposal options can be found through the Idaho Office of Drug Policy at odp.idaho.gov/prescription-drug-take-back-program.