It’s time to clean out the medicine cabinet.

Each spring and fall, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency sponsors national prescription medication Take Back events. In April, there will be three opportunities to turn in old, expired, or unneeded prescription medications on campus.

University Health Service will host two events. They will be at Dejope Residence Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, and at the Nicholas Recreation Center (‘The Nic’) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23.

The School of Pharmacy will have its own event at the Health Sciences Learning Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. They’ll provide a free donut to anyone who drops off their medications, while supplies last.

Since 2010, the Take Back program has collected hundreds of tons of unused medications from thousands of sites across the U.S. The program provides a safe – and anonymous – way to ensure these items stay out of our landfills and waterways.

Important information about Take Back events:

· Tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs are accepted.

· Liquids (e.g., cough syrup) must be sealed tightly in their original containers.

· Vaping devices or cartridges are accepted only if the lithium batteries are removed.

· Needles, sharps, syringes, illegal drugs (Schedule 1), mercury thermometers, and hazardous waste are not allowed.

· The program is anonymous; no questions are asked, and no identification is required.

· It is recommended to remove or black out personal health information on medications before disposal.

· Pills can be dropped in their original bottles or in a clear, sealed plastic bag.

If you are unable to make it to any of the planned Take Back events, you can also safely dispose of medications at the Med Drop Box located in the UW-Madison Police Department lobby at 1429 Monroe Street. The box is accessible 24/7/365.