Drug Take Back Day Produces Big Number

November 4, 2026

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – More than 17,000 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications were collected across South Dakota and four neighboring states during the DEA’s 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, officials say.

Across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Nebraska, 17,463 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications at 142 locations were safely disposed of.

“The importance of safely disposing of prescription medications can’t be stressed enough,” DEA Omaha Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “Whether medications are dropped off at one of our Take Back Day events or taken to a year-round collection site, getting those substances out of the home helps reduce the risk of accidental overdose and drug misuse.”