Drug take-back events are happening more frequently across the country. We challenge you to take a hard look at the contents of your medicine cabinet, purse, wallet, dresser drawer or any place where you keep medicine. Chances are you have some expired medicines. If there isn’t a drug disposal event near you, follow these steps:
Office of National Drug Control Policy Federal Guidelines:
Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.
Call your city or county government’s household trash and recycling service and ask if a drug take-back program is available in your community.
If a drug take-back or collection program is not available:
1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
3. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty container by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, in the trash.