DEA National Drug Take Back Day Returns October 24: Four Free Medication Drop-Off Locations for Copperfield Residents

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) Police Department will participate in DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offering four local collection sites where residents can safely dispose of unused or expired medications.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving homeowners and families throughout Cypress, Katy and Jersey Village an opportunity to get rid of medications they no longer need without putting them in household trash or flushing them down the drain.

Where to Drop Off Unused Medications in Cypress, Katy and Jersey Village

CFISD has identified four participating locations for the October 24 drug take-back event. Residents can choose whichever location is most convenient.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Police Department
11200 Telge Road, Cypress, TX 77429 (MAP)

Jersey Village High School (Back Parking Lot)
7600 Solomon Street, Jersey Village, TX 77040 (MAP)

Cypress Park High School
7425 Westgreen Boulevard, Cypress, TX 77433 (MAP)

Cypress Lakes High School
5750 Greenhouse Road, Katy, TX 77449 (MAP)

All four locations will accept eligible medications on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For Copperfield residents whose children attend CFISD schools, the event is also an opportunity to support a district-wide effort focused on keeping potentially dangerous medications out of the wrong hands.

Why the DEA Holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) established National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in 2010 to give Americans a safe, convenient and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications.

Held twice a year, typically in April and October, the nationwide initiative brings together law enforcement agencies, schools, pharmacies and community organizations to collect medications that might otherwise remain in homes for months or even years.

The concern is particularly important when it comes to prescription pain medications and other controlled substances. According to the DEA, unused prescription drugs stored in household medicine cabinets can become a source of medication misuse, including use by someone other than the person for whom they were prescribed.

There are also everyday household safety considerations. A forgotten bottle of medication can be accidentally discovered by a young child, while expired prescriptions may remain accessible long after treatment has ended.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recommends using authorized drug take-back programs as the preferred method for disposing of unused or expired medicines.

What Medications Can Be Dropped Off?

Residents can use National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to dispose of eligible prescription medications, including many controlled substances, as well as unused or expired over-the-counter medicines.

Before heading to a collection site, residents should keep these guidelines in mind:

• Generally accepted: Prescription pills, capsules, tablets and many over-the-counter medications.

• Not accepted at DEA take-back events: Needles, syringes, other sharps and illegal drugs.

• Liquid medications: Acceptance can vary by collection site, so residents should confirm locally before bringing them.

• Privacy: Residents may remove or cover personal information on prescription labels before disposal.

The DEA's take-back program is free and anonymous. Residents do not need to provide identification or explain why they are disposing of medications.

For households with multiple prescriptions, taking a few minutes to check medicine cabinets, bathroom drawers and other medication storage areas before Saturday can help identify items that are no longer needed.

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A Simple Way to Help Keep CFISD Families Safe

For households in Copperfield, participating in National Drug Take Back Day is a practical way to reduce the amount of unused medication stored at home.

The effort also connects to a broader community responsibility. With CFISD police and local high schools serving as collection sites, the district is helping make safe medication disposal more accessible to the families it serves.

Residents who cannot participate on October 24 can still find year-round authorized medication disposal locations through the DEA's official website.

To learn more about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, including accepted medications and additional collection locations, visit DEATakeBack.com.

My Neighborhood News will continue sharing local health, safety and community resources to help Copperfield residents stay informed about opportunities that benefit their neighborhoods and families.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.