It is important to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs properly, both to prevent misuse and to prevent environmental contamination in waterways, ground water and water supplies (see EPA flyer link below). Each year the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) schedules two semi-annual public drop off collections, one in spring and one in fall. See link below for October 29 locations. Some GOOD news is that the DEA has now authorized a number of local pharmacies to offer drug take back drop offs on a year-round basis, and the DEA website has a search engine to locate these drop offs, link below.
Good EPA flyer on how to properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs:
ppcpflyer.pdf (epa.gov)
Main site for national Drug Take Back Day:
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (usdoj.gov)
Search tool for October 29 drop off sites:
Year-round Local Drop Off Locations:
The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) now allows for the safe disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription drugs at local designated drop off locations. This means you can return unused narcotic painkillers and other medications to approved pharmacies or use mail-back program options. These new regulations make it easier to safely and responsibly get rid of your unused or unwanted medications.
Search tool for local drop off locations:
Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations - Search Utility (usdoj.gov)
For questions or feedback, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com
Photo by Frank Blake.