Texas Medication Disposal Event to Occur October 24
Residents can securely drop off unused prescription drugs at designated collection sites across three local counties.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Do you make it a practice to regularly dispose of unused or expired prescription medications?
Texas residents can dispose of unused or expired medications on October 24, 2026, during the 31st National Rx Take Back Day. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse by providing secure collection sites for tablets, capsules, patches, and liquids.
Why it matters
Proper disposal of medications prevents addictive drugs from being diverted or used improperly. With Texas reporting some of the nation's highest rates of prescription opioid misuse across several age groups, securing these substances remains a key public health priority.
Official dispensing data shows a decline in Texas opioid prescription rates from 42.3 per 100 people in 2019 to 30.5 per 100 in 2024. Despite this downward trend, the state continues to see elevated rates of prescription opioid misuse among residents aged 12 and older.
The details
Collection events operate at local law enforcement agencies to provide a secure channel for the public to turn in surplus medications. Sites accept tablets, capsules, patches, and liquid prescriptions, though they do not accept sharps, syringes, or illicit substances. By removing these items from home medicine cabinets, the event decreases the opportunity for medications to be accessed by individuals for whom they were not prescribed.
Timeline
Collection sites operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 24, 2026.
Texas opioid dispensing rates reached 42.3 per 100 people in 2019.
Texas opioid dispensing rates dropped to 30.5 per 100 people in 2024.
Health Landscape
The 31st National Rx Take Back Day continues a long-standing public health effort to reduce the availability of diverted prescription drugs across the United States. This initiative complements the observed decline in state-level opioid dispensing rates over the last five years.
Check your medicine cabinet for expired or unused prescriptions that are no longer part of your current treatment plan. If you have questions about whether a specific medication remains safe or necessary, discuss your current regimen and disposal options with your physician.
The takeaway
Safely clearing out your home medicine cabinet is a straightforward way to reduce the risk of accidental exposure or misuse. On October 24, 2026, take any unneeded medications to a designated local law enforcement collection site to ensure they are handled properly.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to prevent misuse in our guide to Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXAN.
Live Poll
Do you make it a practice to regularly dispose of unused or expired prescription medications?
