Penn State Health Sites to Host Safe Medication Disposal Event

October 19, 2026 - 20:11

Penn State Health, working alongside local police departments, will provide medication disposal locations at six sites across central Pennsylvania on Saturday, Oct. 24, joining a nationwide effort to encourage the safe removal of unused or expired prescriptions from homes.

The event is tied to National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, a recurring initiative that gives the public a no-questions-asked way to clear out medicine cabinets. Officials say the service helps reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse, and diversion of prescription drugs, while also keeping pharmaceuticals out of landfills and water supplies.

Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of medication to the designated locations. Organizers ask participants to follow standard take-back rules, which typically exclude sharps, aerosols, and illicit substances. Law enforcement personnel will be on hand to receive the items and ensure proper handling.

Public health advocates note that unused medications sitting in homes are a common gateway to misuse, particularly among teens and older adults who may take the wrong drug by mistake. Take-back events offer a simple alternative to storing drugs indefinitely or flushing them, a practice that can contaminate waterways.

The six participating sites will operate during set hours on Oct. 24. Community members are encouraged to check with their local site for specific timing and accepted items before making the trip.