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.
- Permanent collection boxes in Oregon.
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.