The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was created as a way of raising awareness about the importance of proper storage and disposal of medications and unneeded prescriptions – meaning those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed. The abuse and misuse of prescription medications has become a national public safety issue, and most addictions begin by taking friends’ or family members’ prescriptions. Appropriate disposal of unneeded medicines can help to prevent addictions from ever starting.
How to Dispose of Unused Medications:
- Do NOT…flush unneeded medications, be it prescription or over the counter, down the toilet or sink drains, unless the label on the packaging specifically says to do so. Medicines can leach into the ground water or pass-through municipal wastewater treatment plants, contaminating rivers, lakes, and community drinking water supplies. This can be harmful not only to the local ecosystem and natural wildlife, but to the people who rely upon those water sources as well.
- Do…visit deatakeback.com to find a take back location near you. Your local police department may be able to dispose of your medications for you or connect you with a location that can. Medications handed over at a take back location are promptly destroyed.
These are the medications and items that can and cannot be disposed of at most take back locations. The items that each individual take back location will accept may vary by location, so be sure to call your local take back location with any questions regarding what they are able to accept.
What CAN be disposed of at a take back location
- Prescription Medications
- Over-the-Counter Medications
- Veterinary Medications
- Vitamins
- Medicated Ointments/Lotions
- Liquid Medicines
- Inhalers
What CAN NOT be disposed of at a take back location
- Needles/Syringes
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Thermometers
- Infectious Waste (sharps, blades, or other waste that could cause harm to the handler)
- Empty Containers
20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 30th, 2022
10:00am – 2:00pm
For more information, or to find a take back location or year round disposal collection site near you, visit National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (usdoj.gov)
Disposing of Medications at Home
If you must dispose of your medications at home, the DEA and Environmental Protection Agency recommend these safety precautions:
- Take all medications out of their original containers. Be sure to black out or scratch off any personal information from prescription bottles before throwing them away.
- Place medications inside a sealable container such as a plastic baggie or an old food container with a lid to prevent medications from escaping.
- Mix medications with an undesirable substance such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
- Dispose of container in the trash.
Additional Resources:
For more information about drug safety:
https://www.dea.gov/
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/
https://www.campusdrugprevention.gov/
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse visit https://findtreatment.gov/, or call or text Maine 211.
When You Call 211
After you CALL 211, select option “6” to access the Opiate Helpline. A Maine-based specialist will refer you to a provider who can help. A specialist will answer your questions to the best of their abilities. You will receive encouragement and support to help you or a loved one.
When You Text Your Zip Code To 898-211
After you TEXT your zip code to 898-211, you are automatically connected with a Maine-based specialist. The specialists will text you back asking what services you are looking for and provide you referrals as close to where you live as possible.