Greater Cincinnati Area One Health Collaborative Medication Take Back Program
The Greater Cincinnati Area One Health Collaborative (GCAOHC) Medication Take Back Program provides residents with a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medications at authorized collection locations throughout the region. Proper medication disposal helps protect families, reduces the risk of prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings, and safeguards the environment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026. This nationwide event encourages individuals to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of medications that are no longer needed. Participating in Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an easy but important step toward preventing misuse, reducing accidental poisonings, and keeping our communities safer and healthier.
Did You Know?
-
Most people who misuse prescription medications obtain them from family or friends.
-
Unused medications can remain accessible in homes for years.
-
Safe disposal helps reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and diversion.
Whether participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day or using a year-round collection site, residents can take an important step toward keeping their loved ones, neighborhoods, and communities safe.
Greater Cincinnati Area One Health Collaborative Medication Take Back Locations Map
Use our interactive map to locate medication disposal locations throughout the Greater Cincinnati region and discover how safe medication disposal can help protect your loved ones and improve community health and safety. Access the interactive map by clicking here or selecting the map image below.
Accessible Information
If you cannot access the interactive map, a text-based list of medication disposal locations is available. Each listing includes the location name, street address, and available disposal information.
For assistance finding a medication disposal location, contact the Cincinnati Health Department at CHDEpidemiology@cincinnati-oh.gov.
Important Information
-
Do not dispose of medications by flushing them down the toilet or sink unless specifically instructed to do so.
-
Keep medications in their original containers when possible. Remove or cover personal information on labels before disposal.
-
Medication disposal sites may have specific requirements. Please verify site details before visiting.
Know of a medication take back location that isn't listed? Click here to submit a location.
Additional Resources
-
CampusDrugPrevention.gov (for teachers and college campus community leaders/advisors)
-
GetSmartAboutDrugs.com (for parents, caregivers, and teachers)
-
JustThinkTwice.com (for teens)
-
Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines (Source: Food & Drug Administration (FDA))
-
How to Dispose of Medicines Properly (Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA))
