Safe Disposal of Prescription Medications

Medication “Take-Back” Programs

“Take-back” programs allow proper disposal of unused drugs.

• The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration holds a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year in the spring and fall. These are usually held on the last Saturday of the month between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
• The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration allows you to mail back unused prescription medications to pharmacies and other authorized sites using packages made available at pharmacies and other locations.
• The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration offer a search engine for controlled substance public disposal locations.

Disposal in Household Trash

If these programs are not available in your area, place the drugs in the trash by following these steps:

• Remove them from their original containers and conceal or remove any personal information, including the Rx number, from the container.
• Mix the medications with something inedible, such as coffee grounds or kitty litter.
• Place the empty container and the mixture in a sealed bag or empty can.