How to Safely Get Rid of Old, Unwanted Medications in Maine

Drug Takeback Saturday is this weekend, when Mainers can safely dispose of medications they no longer need.

Most Maine Homes Have Medications That Have Expired or are No Longer Needed

Most people will find these types of medications in their homes if they look around.

Maybe a doctor prescribed painkillers that you didn't want to take, or you have medications that you no longer use because the doctor changed your dosage.

It could be an old bottle of aspirin in the back of your medicine cabinet that expired in 2010.

During Spring cleaning, these are the types of things we want to dispose of, but it's important to do it safely.

Maine Residents are Reminded to Dispose of Medications Safely

Gone are the days of flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash.

Disposing of them properly ensures they don't fall into the wrong hands, harm wildlife, or contaminate local water sources.

Saturday, April 25, 2026, is Drug Take Back Day, when local law enforcement and other agencies will be providing opportunities to safely dispose of expired and unwanted medications.

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Not all medications are acceptable, however.

• Inhalers can be thrown in the garbage.
• Liquid medications should be mixed with coffee grounds or something unappealing to someone scouring through the trash.
• Needles must be placed in a sharps container.

For all other medications, a Drug Take back Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Maine Residents Can Safely Dispose of Old or Unwanted Meds on Drug Take Back Day

A list of collection sites and times can be found on the Drug Enforcement Agency's website.

Anyone who can't get their medications to a Drug Take Back site can drop them off, anytime, at any Northern Light Health Pharmacy.

Collection boxes are available in the stores and will accept any medications eligible for the Drug Take Back events.