Travis County Residents Invited to Safely Dispose of Medications During DEA National Drug Take Back Day on April 25
For many Travis County households, unused or expired medications often sit quietly in cabinets—easy to forget, but not without risk. This Saturday, April 25, 2026, residents have an opportunity to safely remove those medications from their homes while contributing to a broader effort to protect community health and local water systems.
As part of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Travis County Constable’s Offices will open their doors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a free and anonymous medication disposal service for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and even pet medications.
The initiative is designed to make safe disposal simple—and to address a growing concern that impacts families across Central Texas: preventing accidental misuse, addiction, and environmental contamination.
Why Proper Medication Disposal Matters for Travis County Families
Health and safety experts consistently warn against flushing medications down the drain or tossing them in the trash. These methods can lead to unintended consequences, from contaminating local waterways to increasing the risk of medications falling into the wrong hands.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the National Drug Take Back Day program has become one of the country’s most effective tools in reducing prescription drug misuse. During the October 2025 event alone, more than:
- 4,263 law enforcement agencies participated
- 4,317 collection sites were established nationwide
- 571,054 pounds (286 tons) of medications were collected
Since the program began, Americans have safely disposed of over 20.3 million pounds (more than 10,000 tons) of unused medications through these events.
That collective effort reflects a growing awareness: what happens inside a medicine cabinet can have real consequences for families, neighborhoods, and public health.
Where to Drop Off Medications in Travis County
Residents can visit any of the five Travis County Constable Precinct Offices during the event. No identification is required, and the process is designed to be quick and discreet.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Constable Precinct 1: 4717 Heflin Ln Ste 127, Austin, TX 78721
- Constable Precinct 2: 10409 Burnet Rd Ste 150, Austin, TX 78758
- Constable Precinct 3: 8656 B West Highway 71 Ste 132, Austin, TX 78735
- Constable Precinct 4: 4011 McKinney Falls Pkwy Ste 1100, Austin, TX 78744
- Constable Precinct 5: 1003 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
It’s important to note that needles and syringes are not accepted during this event.
Year-Round Disposal Options Also Available in Austin
For residents who may not be able to attend on April 25, Travis County offers ongoing options for safe medication and sharps disposal.
Permanent Medication Drop-Off Kiosks are available year-round at all five Constable Precinct locations. Residents can also search for additional nearby sites using the DEA’s locator tool.
For sharps disposal, designated kiosks are available at:
- Harm Reduction Alliance (1803 E Cesar Chavez)
- Vivent Health (104 E Highland Mall Blvd)
- Urban Alchemy (500 E 7th St.)
- The Sobering Center (1213 Sabine Street)
These options ensure that safe disposal remains accessible beyond a single event day.
A Small Action with a Big Community Impact
While dropping off a bottle of unused medication may feel like a small task, it plays a meaningful role in reducing the risk of accidental poisoning, limiting opportunities for drug misuse, and protecting Austin-area water systems from pharmaceutical contamination.
Events like National Drug Take Back Day in Travis County reflect a broader community effort—one where residents, local law enforcement, and public health partners work together to create a safer environment for families.
For many residents, it’s also a reminder to periodically check medicine cabinets and make responsible choices about disposal.
What Happens Next
Travis County officials encourage residents to take advantage of this weekend’s event and to share the information with neighbors, friends, and family members who may benefit.
As communities across Texas continue to prioritize public health and environmental protection, participation in programs like this remains a simple but impactful way to stay involved.
Residents can stay informed about future events, public safety updates, and local initiatives by following My Neighborhood News for ongoing coverage.
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.