Attorney General Alan Wilson encourages South Carolinians to safely dispose of unwanted medications this Saturday

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson encourages all South Carolinians to take part in the 31st National Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 24th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proclaims a national day to ask everyone to dispose of unused medication safely. These events over the last 16 years (September 2010 – April 2026) were overwhelmingly successful and resulted in the collection and disposal of over 10,517 tons of pharmaceuticals nationwide, and 191,513 pounds in South Carolina. At the last Drug Take Back Day in April 2026, South Carolinians disposed of 4,905 pounds of unwanted or unused medications.

During that event last April, there were 4,417 locations nationwide where you could drop off your unused or unwanted medicines, with 47 locations in South Carolina. To find a location near you, go to TakeBackDay.DEA.gov.

“The message is clear and simple: take back and dispose,” Attorney General Wilson said. “Prescription medications can be lifesavers, but if they’re expired or they’re taken in the wrong quantities or by someone they weren’t prescribed for, they can be life-takers.”

Go to your medicine cabinet, or wherever you keep medicine, and check for any unused or expired medications, including opioids.

Senior citizens are especially likely to keep unused pills. A grandparent’s medicine cabinet is an easy place for teenagers or other loved ones to fuel their addiction. Check your own medicine cabinet first and encourage loved ones to clean out their unused medications too.

It’s not only opioids that pose a threat if not disposed of properly, though. Unused or expired medications can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Proper disposal saves lives and protects the environment.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.