SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — Residents who have old or unneeded medications can use National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026 to clear them out safely. The event provides a way to keep unused medicine out of household storage and away from potential misuse.

A confirmed local collection location

West Mahanoy Township Police plan to accept unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their station, 190 Pennsylvania Avenue, Shenandoah Heights, according to reporting by the Shenandoah Sentinel. The Sentinel also identified participating police departments in Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, Frackville, Butler Township, Ashland, Foster Township and Mount Carmel. Residents should confirm each participating department’s address and hours rather than assuming they match the West Mahanoy site.

Which medications can be dropped off?

Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs says take-back programs generally accept many prescription and over-the-counter medications, medication patches, some ointments, vitamins and pet medicines. However, individual locations control what can be placed in their containers. Aerosol canisters, thermometers and illicit drugs are among items not accepted under the state’s program guidance.

Prepare medication before heading out

Keep medicines in an original bottle or a secure sealed bag or container. Remove or obscure personal identifying information on bottles. Do not share leftover prescriptions with anyone. If you are unsure about a specific product, contact the collection site first.

Collection boxes exist year-round

Pennsylvania says nearly 900 permanent collection boxes operate around the state, so safe disposal isn’t limited to this weekend. Its statewide program directs residents to find nearby approved drop-off locations and check their specific rules.

Reporting sources: Shenandoah Sentinel, October 23; Pennsylvania DDAP; Pennsylvania drug take-back guidance. This is an independently written summary of attributed public reporting; we did not interview witnesses or participants for this article.

Image disclosure: The featured graphic is an original SkookPA illustration, not a photograph of the incident, event, property or people described.