MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Maier, (531) 893-1359,
erin.maier@nebraska.gov
Lincoln – Proper disposal of prescription drugs plays an important role in keeping Nebraska families safe. Leftover medications, including prescription pain relievers, can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, addiction, or overdose if not disposed correctly. Medications discarded in household trash, can be retrieved and ingested by an unintended user or sold illegally. Flushing medications down the toilet can contaminate the water supply or lead to accidental ingestion, creating dangerous and potentially tragic situations.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports more than half of individuals who use prescription painkillers for non‑medical reasons obtain the medication from a friend or family member. Safe disposal reduces that risk and helps prevent medication misuse before it starts.
Nebraska pharmacies and law enforcement agencies offer anonymous, judgement free, and no cost disposal options every day through the Nebraska MEDS program and participate in nationwide Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Take Back Day events.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – October 24, 2026
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the DEA will host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Nebraskans can drop off unused or expired medications at participating collection sites throughout the state. Participating local sites can be found at nebraskameds.org. Many Nebraska pharmacies also provide safe medication disposal during regular business hours.
Items Accepted at Take Back Sites:
- Prescription medications (with patient information removed)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Creams, lotions, and ointments
- Liquid medications under four ounces
- Pet medications
- Pills, tablets, and capsules
Items Not Accepted:
- Needles, syringes, or lancets
- Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Home‑based care or medical equipment supplies
- Liquid medications over four ounces
- Thermometers
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is a partner of the Nebraska MEDS Coalition, a statewide collaboration focused on educating residents about safe disposal practices and supporting year‑round disposal programs. These programs help reduce the amount of unused medication in homes and reduce opportunities for misuse.
During the 2025 April and October Take Back Day events, the DEA collected 1,191,375 pounds (about 596 tons) of medications at nearly 5,000 collection sites nationwide, supported by more than 4,400 law enforcement agencies. Since 2016, the Nebraska MEDS Coalition has collected 311,941 pounds of unused or expired medication from more than 300 pharmacies across the state.
Pharmacies interested in joining the Nebraska MEDS program may email info@nebraskameds.org or call the Nebraska Pharmacists Association at (402) 420‑1500.
Nebraska DHHS encourages all residents to safely dispose of unwanted and leftover medications and help keep families, homes, and communities healthy and secure.