Two Northeast grocers are backing National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, giving customers free, anonymous ways to clear expired and unused prescription medications from their homes.
The initiative, led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, raises awareness about responsible medication disposal and helps prevent misuse and accidental ingestion. The DEA’s April 2026 collection effort gathered 642,410 pounds – or approximately 321 tons – at 4,417 collection sites nationwide. Since the program began in 2010, cumulative collections have exceeded 21 million pounds. Studies show more than half of people who first misuse prescription drugs get them from friends or relatives, or take them without asking.
Wegmans: drop-off events at 45 stores
Wegmans Food Markets is partnering with local law enforcement agencies in seven states to host drop-off events at 45 stores from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with shortened hours at its Buffalo, New York (10 a.m.-1:45 p.m.), and Burlington and Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), locations. Only pills and patches will be accepted – no liquids, needles or sharps.
Participating stores span the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse markets in New York, plus locations in Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. A full store list is available from Wegmans.
Tops: pharmacy drop-off year-round
Tops Friendly Markets is encouraging customers to dispose of medications at participating Tops Pharmacy locations, where clearly marked disposal bins are available during regular pharmacy hours year-round, excluding the Portage Road location.
“Cleaning out your medicine cabinet is a simple step that can make your home safer,” said Matthew Hamed, director of pharmacy for Northeast Shared Services, a subsidiary of Northeast Grocery Inc., which oversees Tops. “Medications that are expired or no longer needed can pose risks when left within reach of children or others who may misuse them. Our pharmacy teams are here to help customers make safe disposal part of their routine.”
Rochester, New York-based Wegmans operates 115 stores along the East Coast.
Williamsville, New York-based Tops operates 151 stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location, with more than 14,000 associates.
Related: Market 32/Price Chopper Offer Year-Round Drug Takeback Program