By: Community Officer Jeff Kirchman
It’s time to clean out the medicine cabinet.
Each spring and fall, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency sponsors national prescription medication Take Back events.
The School of Pharmacy has organized a Take Back event at the School of Pharmacy/Rennebohm Hall on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They’ll provide a free donut to any who drop off their medications, while supplies last.
Since 2010, the Take Back program has collected hundreds of tons of unused medications from thousands of sites across the U.S. The program provides a safe – and anonymous – way to ensure these items stay out of our landfills and waterways.
Important information about Take Back events:
- Tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs are accepted.
- Liquids (e.g., cough syrup) and ointments must be sealed tightly in their original containers.
- Vaping devices or cartridges are accepted only if the lithium batteries are removed.
- Needles, sharps, syringes, illegal drugs (Schedule 1), mercury thermometers, and hazardous waste are not allowed.
- The program is anonymous; no questions are asked, and no identification is required.
- It is recommended to remove or obscure personal health information on medications before disposal.
- Pills can be dropped in their original bottles or in a clear, sealed plastic bag.
If you are unable to make it to any of the planned Take Back events, you can also safely dispose of medications at the Med Drop Box located in the UW-Madison Police Department lobby at 1429 Monroe Street. The box is accessible 24/7/365.
