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.