LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State Police (MSP) is urging residents to take part in National Take Back Day, an initiative aimed at safely disposing of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications. The event, held on April 26, 2025, is one of two nationwide take-back events organized annually by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.
The goal of National Take Back Day is to reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse and prevent medications from contaminating the environment. Participants are encouraged to bring their unneeded prescription pills to participating locations, such as Meijer, where they can dispose of them safely in designated drop boxes located at in-store pharmacies.
However, it is important to note that certain items are not accepted for disposal. These include needles, inhalers, patches, liquids, syringes, mercury thermometers, medications containing iodine, and illicit drugs.
Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, emphasized the significance of the event in a statement: “It’s Springtime, which is the perfect time to clean up your medicine cabinet of unneeded medications and safely dispose of them. Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue. Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives, protects the environment, and our overall community.”
Meijer, a long-time participant in National Take Back Day, has been an active partner in the initiative since 2019. Last year, the retailer reported that customers returned nearly 108,800 pounds, or 54 tons, of unwanted medications for proper disposal. Since its participation began, Meijer has collected more than 226 tons of medications through its in-store drop boxes.
National Take Back Day provides an opportunity for communities to responsibly manage their unused prescription drugs and contribute to a safer, healthier environment. The event’s positive impact on public safety and the environment continues to grow as more people participate each year.
For those looking to dispose of medications on April 26, 2025, participating locations can be found through the DEA’s website or by visiting their local Meijer pharmacy.
