Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in America and the majority of teens abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends and the home medicine cabinet.
Unused prescription medication thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed down the toilet contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives while protecting the environment.
Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs. But if a program is not available, Permanent Rx Take Back Boxes are available at the following local Police Departments:
DEA Launches Secure Your Meds Campaign
DEA National Take Back Days take place twice a year in April and October. Fore more information about upcoming Take Back Days, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/.
Free Deterra Drug Deactivation Bags Available- Safe At Home Rx Disposal
Permanently destroy prescription and over the counter medications in three simple steps from the comfort of your own home in a safe, environmentally sound way.
- Tear open the pouch and place any unwanted, unused or expired medications inside
- Fill pouch halfway with warm water and wait 30 seconds
- Seal the bag tightly, gently shake and then throw away in regular household trash
CADY is offering free Deterra Drug Deactivation Bags to the community in order to help reduce drug diversion and prescription drug misuse. To get your free bag, contact Emily Shanahan, CADY Outreach and Communications Director at eshanahan@cadyinc.org or 603-536-9793.