La Grande police hosts free prescription drug take-back April 25

Old pills, patches and pet medicines can leave a medicine cabinet in minutes at the Safeway parking lot in La Grande, where police will host a free prescription drug take-back on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2111 Adams Ave.

The event is part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a nationwide disposal effort that will run at nearly 4,200 locations. La Grande Police says the local stop is meant to give residents a no-cost, anonymous way to clear out unused medications before they are misused, stolen, swallowed by mistake or thrown away in ways that could harm people or the environment.

Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches, creams and other prescription drug forms, including pet medications. The site will not accept syringes, sharps, needles, chemotherapy medications, vapes with batteries or illegal drugs. That line matters because safe disposal is often confusing, and police want the public to know exactly what belongs in the collection box and what does not.

Federal authorities say the case for a take-back is simple: most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends and acquaintances. The DEA says Take Back Day has removed more than 20 million pounds of unwanted medications from U.S. communities since 2010, and the October 2025 event alone collected 571,054 pounds, or 286 tons. The goal is to keep leftover medicine from sitting in homes long after it is needed and to keep harmful substances out of the waste stream.

La Grande Police says it also maintains a secure prescription drug drop box in its lobby at 1109 K Ave., available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department hosts two public take-back events each year, typically in April and October, and residents with questions can call 541-963-1017.

The local effort is backed by the Union County Safe Communities Coalition, which brings together youth, schools, parents, health care, law enforcement, businesses, media, government and faith organizations. Its mission is to reduce substance use among youth and substance abuse among adults, a goal that fits a rural county where one overlooked bottle in a kitchen drawer can become a hazard for children, visitors or anyone looking for quick access to medication. Other local drop-off options listed in area coverage have included Red Cross Drug Store at 1123 Adams Ave., Grande Ronde Hospital at 900 Sunset Drive and the Safeway pharmacy.