New Yorkers can dispose of unwanted prescription medications at about 100 collection events statewide Saturday, Oct. 24, as law enforcement agencies take part in National Prescription Drug Takeback Day.
The events are being held with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, according to Attorney General Letitia James. Residents can use the DEA's collection-site locator to find a participating location near them.
Collection sites will accept tablets, capsules, patches and other prescription medications, including opioids. Liquid medicines must be securely sealed in their original containers.
Syringes, other sharp devices and illicit drugs will not be accepted at these events. Residents should check the listed location and collection hours before bringing medicines to a site.
Removing unused medicines from homes
The free collection effort is intended to keep unneeded, expired or unused prescriptions from being misused, illegally resold or accidentally swallowed. James urged residents to check their medicine cabinets and find a nearby event.
The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police supports the program. Executive Director Patrick Phelan said disposing of unused medicines can reduce opportunities for accidental overdoses, prescription drug misuse and diversion.
Collection events around the country recover hundreds of thousands of pounds of medicines and other material each year. New York collections recovered more than 12,000 pounds over the course of 2025, the attorney general's office said.
Finding a collection site
The DEA locator allows users to search by ZIP code, county, city or state and select a search radius. The agency advises checking back because locations are added as the event approaches.
The DEA also links to authorized year-round collectors for people seeking disposal options beyond the national event.
File photo of New York Attorney General Letitia James.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
