Detroiters will be able to return unused and unwanted prescription drugs 24 hours a day at all Detroit Police Department (DPD) precincts, following an announcement from public safety and health partners at the DPD’s 11th Precinct this past Monday, September 29.
These new boxes provide a safe alternative that supports both public safety and environmental stewardship. Residents can anonymously dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications with no questions asked.
“We’re building on the success of our partnership for the annual drug take-back days by being more accessible to Detroiters who want to keep prescription drugs from falling into the hands of their loved ones,” said Chief Todd A. Bettison. “We want all Detroiters to know that we are here to keep them safe and provide them with resources to improve their quality of life.”
“Prescription drug misuse often begins at home,” said Dr. Grenae Dudley of The Youth Connection. “After years of advocacy, we’re proud to make safe drug disposal more accessible to Detroit families. This initiative protects our loved ones, our community, and helps keep our drinking water safe.”
“At the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, we know that tackling the opioid crisis requires strong partnerships,” said DWIHN President and CEO James E. White. “We are proud to work alongside the Detroit Police Department, whose leadership and commitment to community safety make it possible to place prescription drug drop boxes in precincts across the city.
These boxes provide safe and trusted spaces for families, offering peace of mind to parents and grandparents who no longer have to worry about leftover medications at home.”
Accepted items include pills, tablets, capsules, vitamins, pet medications, and over-the-counter medications. Syringes, sharps, and other illicit drugs will not be accepted. Improper disposal—such as flushing medications or tossing them in the trash—can lead to water contamination or accidental poisoning.
The announcement builds on the success of Detroit’s participation in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which has helped remove thousands of pounds of medications from circulation over the years. Permanent boxes now offer a convenient, responsible disposal option every day of the year.
October 25, 2025 DEA Drug Take Back Day
The permanent take-back boxes announcement also acts as the unofficial kick-off to the October 25, 2025, DEA Drug Take Back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations (every Detroit Police Precinct, Detroit Health Department, Highland Park Police Department, Wayne State University Police Department, recreation centers, and more).
Since 2018, Detroit has collected over 5,000 pounds of medication for proper disposal, and this year we have our sights set on beating our neighbor to the south, Ohio, by collecting the most pills statewide.
For more information on the upcoming take-back day event and a full list of drop-off locations, visit the DPD’s social media pages, DEATakeBack.com, or www.dwihn.org/rx-dropoff. For more information on The Youth Connection, visit www.facebook.com/TYCDetroit or www.theyouthconnection.org.
