October 25, 2025 is officially National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This is a day dedicated to safely disposing of unused, expired, and unneeded medications at collection sites across the country.

Here in Wisconsin, local law enforcement and community partners are hosting collection events to make it easy for residents to clean out their medicine cabinets safely. The goal of this day is to prevent these prescription drugs from landing in the hands of someone who may abuse them or being disposed of in a way that harms the environment. Last year, during two Take-Back Day events, Wisconsinites safely disposed of more than 110,000 pounds of medicine!

Safe drug disposal is important to keep potent drugs out of the hands of people who may abuse them or sell them. Many people who misuse prescription drugs often get them from family or friends, sometimes they even take them right out of the bathroom cabinet. Even medication that was safely prescribed by a doctor can become dangerous if used without proper guidance or they fall into the wrong hands.

It is not just a safety issue either. Flushing medication down the toilet or tossing them in the trash can pollute our water supply. Most water treatment facilities are not equipped to filter out these powerful medications.

Most disposal sites on National Take-Back Day will accept:

• Inhalers
• Non-aerosol spray
• Ointments
• Over-the-counter medications
• Patches
• Pet medication
• Pills
• Vials

They will not accept:

• Aerosol cans
• Needles
• Vape pens

On October 25, you can drop off medication at the following locations in the 17th Senate District:
- Crawford County Highway Department near Seneca
- Grant County Youth and Ag Building in Lancaster
- Mount Horeb Police Department

While October 25 is designated as National Prescription Take-Back Day, many of our municipalities have permanent, 24/7, drug disposal sites year-round. These includes sites such as the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe Police Department, and the Darlington Municipal Building. You can find the list of permanent drug disposal sites here:

Thank you for taking time to do a periodic cleaning of your cabinets to protect the people in your life and the environment. Drop off your old medication on October 25!

If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.