NEW CASTLE, Del. On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Police Department will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) thirty-first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This initiative, which focuses on removing potentially dangerous drugs from our nation’s homes, provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal. 

“We’re pleased to be able to once again participate in this national program to take old prescription drugs and expired over-the-counter medicines out of circulation,” said Col. Wayne McFadden of the DRBA Police Department. “With the proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs, you’re making sure that these medications don't find their way into the wrong hands. We encourage folks to take advantage of this program as a great way to safely clear out unused medicines before the holiday season.” 

This easy, hassle-free program is strictly anonymous. “No questions or requests for identification will be made by law enforcement personnel present,” McFadden added. “In fact, participants are encouraged to remove any personal information from bottles or packages prior to submission.” 

Numerous collection sites are established throughout the area for the public to relinquish over-the-counter, controlled substances, or prescription drugs – including tablets, capsules, ointments, creams, and liquids in their original containers or packaging. Expired animal medication and vitamins are also accepted. 

Please ensure caps on liquids are tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Sharps, syringes, and illicit substances will not be accepted. Since the bi-state agency began participating in the NTBI in 2010, thousands of pounds of medication have been safely collected at DRBA sites. 

When:   Saturday, October 24, 2026; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Where:  The DRBA Police Department has established three collection sites: 
•    Wilmington Airport Terminal Building, 151 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 
•    Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 
•    Cape May Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., N. Cape May, NJ 

Typical methods for disposing of unused medicines – either flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose potential safety, health, and environmental risks. Drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved, abused, or illegally sold. Flushing unwanted medicines may contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment. 

The public can find the nearest collection sites in their community by visiting www.dea.gov and clicking on the drug disposal icon. After clicking on the icon, simply enter your zip code, and the database will query the registered collection sites nearest to you. 

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority 
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing. The DRBA also manages two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal, and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry, and airport facilities. For more information, visit www.drba.net.