Mark Your Calendar for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Bring in your unused medications for safe disposal.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day happens twice per year, usually in April and October. On these designated days, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) partners with local governments and pharmacies to provide prescription drug collection sites across the country.
You can safely and anonymously drop off your expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications at an official collection site.
When and where can I drop off my prescription drugs?
You can drop off your prescription medications from 10am to 2pm at an official collection site. Click here or call (800) 882–9539 to find a site near you.
Why is it important to safely dispose of prescription medications?
First, it prevents medications you aren’t using from being intentionally or unintentionally misused by others. Second, flushing medications down the toilet can cause environmental damage when drug residue leaks into waterways. Unsafe disposal of inhalers can also be dangerous for the environment and public health as they can contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), propellants that damage the protective ozone layer.
Are there any medications or substances that I can’t drop off at a collection site?
You cannot drop off illicit drugs or prescription medications obtained illegally. You can also not dispose of medical sharps or needles (like insulin syringes), iodine-containing medications or mercury-containing thermometers. Learn more about these and other prohibited items here.
Can I dispose of my medications in the trash?
If you missed Prescription Drug Take Back Day or don’t live near an official collector, you can follow the trash disposal instructions below. You can also find a collection site that offers year-round disposal here.
- Mix medications (don’t crush tablets or capsules) with an inedible material like dirt, cat litter or used coffee grounds.
- Place the mixture in a container like a sealed plastic bag.
- Put the container in your household trash.
- Scratch out all personal information on the label of the empty pill bottle or empty packaging. Then dispose of the container.
Blink Health is not insurance. The discount prescription drug provider is Blink Health Administration, LLC, 233 Spring Street, 8th Floor East, New York, NY 10013, (844) 366–2211, www.blinkhealth.com
