National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 2026
An opportunity to safely dispose of unused and expired medicines in Moultrie County.
Unused or expired medications can create safety risks in the home all year long. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day gives Moultrie County residents a safe, convenient way to dispose of medications they no longer need.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says the spring 2026 event will take place at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide.
Why Safe Drug Disposal Matters
Clearing out unnecessary medications helps reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse, and confusion. This is especially important in households where small children, pets, or individuals living with cognitive decline reside.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says take-back options are the best way to dispose of most unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Young children are especially vulnerable to accidental poisonings at home. America’s Poison Centers says most poisonings in children younger than 6 are unintentional and happen in the home, and medicines are among the most common poisoning risks for young children. Experts recommend keeping both prescription and nonprescription medicines out of reach and securely stored.
Safe disposal can also help households caring for an older adult with memory loss or cognitive decline. The National Institute on Aging notes that some medicines can impair cognition in older adults or contribute to confusion. Removing medications that are no longer needed can help reduce the chance of mix-ups or accidental ingestion.
How Take Back Day Can Benefit You
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a simple public safety step that can make a real difference. DEA says that since the program began in 2010, Take Back Day events have collected more than 20 million pounds of unwanted medications nationwide. It’s a powerful reminder that safe disposal is a shared responsibility.
Take-back locations are designed to be simple, secure, and protective of your privacy. The FDA also advises people to scratch out personal information on prescription labels before disposing of medicine containers.
A Community Effort with Lasting Impact
Take Back Day helps keep potentially dangerous medications, especially pain medicines and other controlled substances, out of circulation.
These events also remind residents that safe disposal is not limited to one day each year. The DEA’s collection site locator helps people search by ZIP code or city/county/state to find authorized drop-off locations year-round.
Where to Drop Off Medications in Moultrie County
For the April 25 event, the designated Moultrie County drop-off site is:
Sullivan Police Department
307 S. Van Buren St., Sullivan, IL 61951
If you cannot participate on April 25, there are also several year-round drop-off locations in Moultrie County:
CVS – Sullivan
208 W. Jackson, Sullivan, IL 61951
Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office
1505 W. Hagerman St., Sullivan, IL 61951
Oakwood Apothecary
17 N. Hamilton St., Sullivan, IL 61951
Sullivan Pharmacy
102 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, IL 61951
Sullivan Police Department
307 S. Van Buren St., Sullivan, IL 61951
Pharmacists may also be able to answer questions about safe disposal methods, including mail-back options when available. The FDA says mail-back programs are another safe option for some unused medicines.
A Small Task with Big Benefits
Cleaning out old medications protects children and families, supports caregivers, and reduces the chance that unused prescriptions will be misused.
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages residents to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and to use local year-round drop-off options whenever needed. Safely disposing of medications you no longer need is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference across Moultrie County.