Editor’s Note: Posted on behalf of Join Together Northern Nevada. For more info, visit their website.

RENO, Nev. (October 2025) — Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN), in collaboration with law enforcement and local partners including Northern Nevada Public Health and Truckee Meadows Water Authority, is proud to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PDT at participating locations throughout Washoe County.

This biannual event provides residents with a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. Proper disposal helps protect our environment and community health by preventing drugs from entering the water supply or being accidentally ingested by children, pets, or others. Unused medications can also contribute to misuse or accidental overdose, particularly among teens and young adults.

Substance misuse is a complex issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities—leading to higher healthcare costs, crime, and lost productivity. Reducing access to unused medications is a simple but vital step toward prevention.

This year, one new location has been added — Bethel AME Church in Sparks — bringing the total to 10 collection sites across Washoe County.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PDT

Collection Site Locations

Reno:

• Raley’s – 18144 Wedge Parkway
• Raley’s – 1630 Robb Drive
• Reno Elks Lodge – 597 Kumle Lane
• Smith’s – 175 Lemmon Drive
• Smith’s – 750 South Meadows Parkway

Sparks:

• Smith’s – 1255 Baring Blvd.
• Baldini’s Casino – 865 S. Rock Blvd.
• Bethel AME Church – 2655 N. Rock Blvd.

Spanish Springs:

• Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Smoke Shop – 7655 Pyramid Way

Cold Springs:

• Cold Springs Community Center – 3355 White Lake Parkway

Community members are encouraged to bring any unused or expired prescription medications — no questions asked. Law enforcement officers will be present at all sites to ensure proper handling and secure disposal by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Please note: Sharps and inhalers will not be accepted at Take Back locations. Sharps can be dropped off at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office or Northern Nevada HOPES (West 5th Street).

Inhalers can be disposed of through Waste Management or participating pharmacies.

Prescription drug misuse remains a significant public health concern. Events like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day help reduce the availability of unused medications, raise awareness, and promote safe disposal practices.

For more information about the event or additional drop-off locations in the Reno/Sparks area, please visit www.jtnn.org or call 775-324-7557.

Residents outside Washoe County can visit www.dea.gov to find a collection site near them.

Join us in keeping our community safe and healthy — a small action that makes a big difference.

The Prescription Drug Take Back Day is supported by: Join Together Northern Nevada, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Northern Nevada Public Health, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Elks Drug Awareness Program, Nevada National Guard Counterdrug Program, Alliance with the Washoe County Medical Society, Nevada Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Nevada State Medical Association, Raley’s, RALI Nevada, Retail Association of Nevada, Smith’s Food & Drug, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, and Veterans Administration Pharmacists.

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About Join Together Northern Nevada

Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building partnerships that create healthy, drug-free communities.