May 14, 2024

Household Medication Take-Back and Safe Disposal

EPA estimates almost every American household has prescription or over-the-counter medications. When those drugs are mismanaged, they could result in accidental poisoning or be released into the environment. In early 2024, the agency launched its household medication disposal website to help individuals safely manage unwanted pharmaceuticals.

For medications stored in a home, EPA recommends households use a locked cabinet, closet, or safe to limit improper access. When medication is no longer wanted, whether due to expiration, wasn’t tolerated, or was simply no longer needed, it should be disposed of through pharmaceutical take-back programs. These programs offer a safe and environmentally protective way to dispose of unwanted household medications and include:

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) take-back days. Local law enforcement agencies may participate in the DEA’s twice-a-year National Prescription Drug Take-back Days in April and October. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted.
Pharmacy kiosks. Certain retail and hospital pharmacies are DEA-authorized public controlled substance collectors and offer year-round drug disposal kiosks.
Kiosks at law enforcement agencies. Local law enforcement agencies may provide permanent drug disposal kiosks at their offices. Kiosks often resemble mail drop-off boxes.
Mail-back envelopes. Pre-addressed envelopes are available for purchase at many retail pharmacies, and some pharmacies, community organizations, and states even offer mail-back envelopes for free.
Community take-back events. Community organizations may sponsor or coordinate short-term pharmaceutical take-back events. DEA regulation requires law enforcement to be present at these events.

No take-back options available?

While EPA encourages the disposal of unwanted medications through pharmaceutical take-back programs, the agency understands not all households have access to these disposal methods. The agency’s medication disposal fact sheet offers instructions for proper at-home disposal if no take-back program is available. Unless instructed by a label or accompanying patient information, do not flush expired or unwanted drugs down a toilet or drain.

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Disclaimer

Considerable care has been exercised in preparing this document; however, McCoy and Associates, Inc. makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with the publication of this information. McCoy and Associates, Inc. expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state, or municipal law or regulation with which this information may conflict. McCoy and Associates, Inc. does not undertake any duty to ensure the continued accuracy of this information.

This document addresses issues of a general nature related to the federal environmental regulations. Persons evaluating specific circumstances dealing with the environmental regulations should review state and local laws and regulations, which may be more stringent than federal requirements. In addition, the assistance of a qualified professional should be enlisted to address any site-specific circumstances.