U.S. Attorney Moore Capito Joins with Law Enforcement Partners to Promote the DEA’s 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Moore Capito is encouraging West Virginians to safely dispose of unwanted medications on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration's 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DEA and law enforcement partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs at more than 65 sites throughout the state, including more than three dozen locations in the Southern District of West Virginia. A collection site locator is available at www.DEATakeBack.comLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. All sites will accept old, unwanted, and expired prescription medications for free and anonymous disposal.

"Drug Take Back Day is a critical opportunity to anonymously remove dangerous, unused prescription drugs from our homes before they end up in the wrong hands," Capito said. "Law enforcement is sounding the alarm: every pill not turned in is a risk to our community. By acting now, we can stop misuse before it starts and keep these drugs off our streets. Your quick, anonymous action today can help save lives."

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 20.4 million pounds (10,200 tons) of medication from circulation since its inception. The total includes 149,901 pounds collected in West Virginia, with 4,063 pounds of that disposed of during the previous Take Back Day on April 25, 2026.

More information is available at www.DEATakeBack.comLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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