Consumer Protection and Governor's Prevention Partnership Reminds the Public of 5 Ways to Safely Discard Unwanted Medications

HARTFORD - The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Governor's Prevention Partnership (GPP) are reminding the public that there are multiple ways to safely discard expired or unused medications.

"Proper medication disposal serves multiple purposes: protecting people and the environment," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "When we get rid of medications the right way, we prevent them from getting into the wrong hands and into the environment. Drug Take Back Day is a great reminder to go through our medicine cabinets, take out anything we no longer need, and use one of many ways to safely discard them. If you have elderly loved ones, check that they are up to date with the medications they may need."

"Safe medication disposal is one of the simplest steps we can take to protect our families and communities. Drug Take Back Day provides an important opportunity for residents to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of medications they no longer need, and we're proud to offer another convenient option by delivering safe medication disposal pouches directly to Connecticut households. Whether residents visit a collection site, use a permanent drop box, or dispose of medications at home with a pouch, what matters most is that they take action. Prevention works best when we make the safer choice the easier choice," said Kelly Juleson, Co-president, The Governor's Prevention Partnership.

Attend Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts "Take Back Day" at thousands of collection sites across the country. This Saturday, consumers can bring any unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications, ointments, or treatments for household pets to a participating location.

Collection sites will not accept any used sharps, hazardous waste, thermometers, or personal care products such as shampoo or deodorant.

To find a participating site near you, visit the Take Back Day website: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday

Visit a year-round drop box

In Connecticut, there are over 100 drop box locations approved and secured by DCP. Consumers can safely drop off unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications during the location's business hours.

Drop boxes are mainly located in police departments and pharmacies. To find a drug collection box near you, visit the DCP Drug Control website.

Conduct an at-home disposal with everyday items

To safely discard medications at home, place uncrushed pills in a milk carton full of vinegar or warm soapy water and swirl the container around. Next, add in cat litter or coffee grounds, secure the container with duct tape, and place in your household trash. Watch at-home disposal tutorial video

Use adrug deactivation pouch

Drop any pills, creams, or liquids into a drug deactivation pouch, and then add warm water. The water interacts with chemical contents inside to dissolve the medication.
Watch drug deactivation pouch tutorial

To get a drug deactivation pouch, consumers may contact their local health department or request a free one by visiting the Governor's PreventionPartnershipwebsite.

Practice safe disposal methods for used sharps

Used needles should be placed in a hard-plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle, clearly labeled with "Sharps Waste" and "Do Not Recycle." When the container is three-quarters full and the lid is sealed with tape, it can be placed in the curbside trash.

Loose needles should never be recycled, placed in the trash or flushed down the toilet. You may call your physician, local hospital or pharmacy to check if they accept properly contained needles for safe disposal.

Anyone who has questions about drug disposal or would like to host a drug take back event, can contact DCP's Drug Control Division at [email protected]