LEONARDTOWN — Maryland State Police barracks, including those serving Southern Maryland, will take expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Drop-off is free and anonymous, with no questions asked, according to the Maryland State Police. The Leonardtown Barrack, at 23200 Leonard Hall Drive, sent notice of the event to local media Tuesday. Residents of Calvert and Charles counties can use the barracks that serve those counties. Addresses for every barrack are on the state police barrack locations page.
Why it matters
Take Back Day, which the Drug Enforcement Administration runs with police agencies nationwide every April and October, offers a safe, convenient and anonymous way to get rid of medications and helps prevent drug misuse, the state police said.
During the April 2026 event, the DEA collected medications from more than 30 law enforcement agencies in Maryland, and state police barracks alone took in more than 1,600 pounds, the agency said. The Glen Burnie Barrack led with 261 pounds, followed by Westminster with 244.
Since 2014, state police have removed nearly 36,000 pounds of prescription drugs through the program, the agency said.
Can’t make it Saturday?
Every state police barrack has a secure drug collection box that is open 24 hours a day, all year, so residents can drop off medications any time, the agency said.
The state police release covers prescription medications. It does not say whether barracks will accept needles, liquids or vaping devices, so residents with those items should call their local barrack first. The Leonardtown Barrack’s main number is 301-475-8955.
Residents in the Forestville area should note that the Forestville Barrack has temporarily relocated during construction of its new building. Its drop-off is at the College Park Barrack instead.
More information on overdose prevention is available from Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response.
