The Maryland State Police are encouraging Marylanders to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2026. Citizens can drop off their medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at any Maryland State Police barrack, no questions asked.

Additionally, secure drug collection boxes are available at Maryland State Police barracks year-round, 24/7. The Maryland State Police Forestville Barrack has temporarily relocated, and residents can drop off medications at the College Park Barrack.

Press Release: Maryland State Police

Published October 20, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Maryland State Police.

State Police Encouraging Marylanders To Dispose Of Expired, Unused, Unwanted Prescription Medications During National Prescription Drug Take Back Day On October 24

(PIKESVILLE, MD), The Maryland State Police are encouraging Marylanders to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2026.

State Police urge citizens to drop off their prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at any Maryland State Police barrack, no questions asked. Additionally, Maryland State Police barracks are equipped with secure drug collection boxes that are accessible year-round, 24/7. Find a location near you here.

Please note: The Maryland State Police Forestville Barrack has temporarily relocated as construction continues on its new facility. Residents can drop off all prescription medications at the College Park Barrack.

This biannual program, held in April and October, is a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and law enforcement agencies nationwide. It provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unneeded or expired prescription medications, which helps to spread awareness and prevent drug misuse.

During the initiative in April 2026, the DEA collected from more than 30 law enforcement agencies in Maryland. This included more than 1,600 pounds collected by the Maryland State Police, with the top barracks below (in pounds):

  • Glen Burnie Barrack: 261 pounds
  • Westminster Barrack: 244 pounds
  • Cumberland Barrack: 137 pounds
  • North East Barrack: 128 pounds
  • Hagerstown Barrack: 108 pounds

Since 2014, the Maryland State Police have successfully removed nearly 36,000 pounds of prescription drugs through the initiative. For more information about Maryland’s overdose response, please visit Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response website: https://stopoverdose.maryland.gov.