New Albany-area residents can drop off unused or expired prescription pills at Plain Township Fire Station on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The free collection runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station, located at 9500 Johnstown Road in New Albany. It is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held twice a year at locations across the country. DEA and its partners operated 4,317 collection sites during the October 2025 event.

Only pills and capsules will be accepted at the local collection. Syringes, sharps and liquid medications cannot be turned in, according to city records from a prior collection at the same station. In that earlier event, collected medications were incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines.

The DEA says most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends and acquaintances, making home medicine cabinets a potential source. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration identifies opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications, according to a DEA press release.

The program has run since 2010. The April 2026 event alone brought in 642,410 pounds of medication nationwide, according to the DEA. The agency has collected more than 21 million pounds total across all Take Back Days.

DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said in an October 2025 press release ahead of last year's Take Back Day that "every prescription drug turned in represents one less opportunity for tragedy."

Residents with questions can call the station's non-emergency line at 614-855-7370. The DEA also maintains more than 16,500 permanent drop-off locations at pharmacies, hospitals and police departments for year-round disposal.

Upcoming community events:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: National Drug Take Back Day, Plain Township Fire Station, 9500 Johnstown Road, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free, pills and capsules only.
  • Sunday, Nov. 22: Outdoor ice rink opens at Hinson Amphitheater in New Albany.