Take-back programs

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors take-back programs for prescription medications. Authorized collectors may include local law enforcement agencies, hospitals and pharmacies. Take-back options may include:

• Take-back events. Many communities designate a specific day for people to bring in unused prescription drugs to a central collection point.
• Disposal by mail. Some pharmacies offer mail-back envelopes for prescription drug disposal.
• Collection receptacles. Secure collection receptacles are located in many communities. Call your local law enforcement agency to see if there are any in your community.

Some types of prescription drugs can be disposed of in your household trash. Mixing the medications with used coffee grounds or cat litter is often recommended. But the FDA says that opioids are too dangerous to dispose of within household garbage because even one dose to the wrong person can sometimes be fatal.