Hamilton County residents will have a chance to safely get rid of expired or unused medications Saturday, Oct. 24, during a drug take-back event in Noblesville.

The Hamilton County Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs (HCCOAOD) is hosting the event in observance of National Drug Take Back Day. Drop-off runs from 9 a.m. to noon in the far east parking lot of Riverview Health, directly across State Road 32 from Federal Hill Commons.

Residents may bring expired or unused medications as well as vape devices. Liquids, sharps and needles will not be accepted.

HCCOAOD Executive Director Monica Greer said the effort targets a common source of prescription drug misuse: the family medicine cabinet.

“Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances,” Greer said. “We know prevention starts at home. The simple step of clearing out medications that are no longer needed makes our homes safer, prevents prescription drug misuse, and can help save lives.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 69,973 people died of drug overdoses in the United States last year, a decrease of almost 14% from 2024.

National Drug Take Back Day began in 2010. Since then, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and its law enforcement partners have removed more than 10,500 tons of medication from circulation, according to the HCCOAOD. The national effort now includes close to 5,000 collection sites.

Greer said unused medicine left in the home can lead to addiction.

“The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist,” she said. “Old and unwanted medicine too often becomes a gateway to addiction. Events like these are a critical effort to curb the historic surge in U.S. overdoses.”

Residents who cannot attend Saturday’s event can dispose of unneeded medications year-round at local pharmacies, hospitals and police departments.