On Saturday, October 24th, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give our community the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

The Sacramento community can bring their unused or expired prescription drugs to the Public Safety Center at 5770 Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento, as well as several other sites throughout Sacramento County. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

During this Take Back Day, the DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. These items should be placed in clear zip-top bags; a limited amount of packaging will also be available on-site.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash are not recommended. Both of those options pose potential health and safety hazards.

To keep everyone safe, collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. 

For more information on disposing of prescription drugs year-round, visit

DEA’s year-round collection site locator.