San Joaquin County residents will have a safe and simple way to clear out old, expired, or unwanted medications this Saturday.
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., San Joaquin County Public Health Services, the San Joaquin County Opioid Safety Coalition, local law enforcement, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will team up for the 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event gives residents a free, anonymous, and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications before they can be misused or accidentally taken.
For many families, unused medications sit forgotten in bathroom cabinets, kitchen drawers, or bedside tables. But those leftover pills, patches, and capsules can pose a serious risk, especially to children, teens, visitors, and others who may access them unintentionally. Public health officials note that many misused prescription drugs come from family and friends, often from home medicine cabinets.
Residents can drop off expired or unwanted tablets, capsules, patches, and other non-injectable prescription drugs at five locations throughout San Joaquin County:
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Lodi Police Department
215 W. Elm Street, Lodi
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Tracy Police Department
1000 Civic Center Drive, Tracy
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Code 3 Wear
304 Lincoln Center, Stockton
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Young’s Payless Market
18980 CA-88, Lockeford
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Stockton Unified School Police Department
640 N. San Joaquin Street, Stockton
Pills may be brought loose, in blister packs, or in their original prescription bottles. Liquid medications, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original containers with the caps tightly closed to prevent leaks. Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted, but lithium batteries must be removed first. Pet medications are accepted as well.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs, but information about where those items can be safely disposed of will be available at each drop-off site.
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day began in 2010 and has grown into a nationwide effort to reduce prescription drug misuse and protect communities. During the October 2025 Take Back Day, more than 571,000 pounds of unused or expired medications were collected across the country. Since the program began, more than 20.4 million pounds of medication have been removed from circulation.
For more information about local medication and sharps disposal, overdose prevention resources, Narcan access, and addiction support, residents can visit www.SJCOpioidSafety.org. Information about the national event is also available at www.DEATakeBack.com.