The Linn County Alcohol & Drug Program encourages residents to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25.
This biannual event provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office will host several drop-off sites across the county on that day:
- Mill City City Hall: 9–10 a.m. (444 S. 1st Ave.)
- Scio Fire Hall: 10:30–11:30 a.m. (38975 SW 6th Ave.)
- Halsey City Hall: 1–2 p.m. (100 Halsey St.)
- Harrisburg City Hall: 2:30–3:30 p.m. (120 Smith St.)
What’s Accepted: Prescription and over-the-counter medications (including liquids with tightly closed lids).
Not Accepted: Intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes, needles, or other medical waste.
Unused or expired medications can pose serious risks, including accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. National data show that most teens who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from friends, family, or the home medicine cabinet.
In Linn County, 23% of 11th graders report that prescription drugs not prescribed to them are easy to get (Oregon Student Health Survey, 2024).
“Every prescription we safely dispose of is one less chance for misuse, overdose, or tragedy. Small actions like these make a big difference for our youth and community,” said Heide Kizer-Aranda, Adolescent Treatment Program Supervisor at the Linn County Alcohol & Drug Program.
Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when misused and throwing them in the trash makes them vulnerable to theft or illegal sale. Take-back programs remain the safest disposal method.
If you can’t attend on October 25, year-round medication drop-off options are available at:
Medication drop-off locations in Oregon
National DEA-authorized collection sites
For more information, contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950 or visit the DEA Take-Back Day website.