Wisconsin to Host Drug Take Back Day on October 24
Residents can dispose of unused medications at 136 sites across the state to help prevent misuse and environmental harm.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Do you plan to dispose of expired medications at a local collection event this Saturday?
Wisconsin will host its upcoming Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2026, offering residents across the state an opportunity to dispose of unused or expired medications. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and drug misuse by providing secure collection options.
Why it matters
Proper disposal of pharmaceuticals is critical for preventing medication misuse and ensuring expired substances do not enter the environment through local water systems. These collection events provide a safe, accessible way for residents to clear out their medicine cabinets.
This statewide initiative features 136 collection events and 239 participating law enforcement agencies. The total number of pharmaceuticals to be recovered is still unknown until the conclusion of the event.
The players
Vernon Health
A public health entity serving the community that is hosting a local collection event.
Richland Center Police Department
A local law enforcement agency participating in the statewide medication collection effort.
Sauk Prairie Police Department
A local law enforcement agency providing a secure site for medication disposal.
Dickeyville Community Center
A regional facility serving as a designated collection location for the public.
The details
The program functions by allowing residents to drop off unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications at secure, designated collection sites. By centralizing these disposals, the state helps keep potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals out of reach of household members and prevents chemical contamination in local rivers and lakes.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Drug Take Back Day collection events occur across the state.
Health Landscape
This effort aligns with national public health strategies to limit the availability of expired or unused medications in residential settings. It follows established guidelines for the safe disposal of pharmaceuticals to mitigate both public safety risks and environmental harm.
Residents should check their medicine cabinets for expired or unused drugs to take to sites like the Crawford County Highway Shop or the Grant County Fairgrounds. Consult with your doctor if you have questions about whether a medication is still needed or safe to keep in your home.
The takeaway
Clearing out unused medications is a simple way to increase home safety and protect the community from environmental contamination. Before the event, keep medications in their original containers and ensure personal information is blacked out for privacy.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to promote safety in our Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 97 Seven Country WGLR - The Tri-States Best Variety of Country - Lancaster, Dubuque, Galena, Platteville.
Live Poll
Do you plan to dispose of expired medications at a local collection event this Saturday?
