Safely Disposing Unwanted Medication
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back day is Saturday, October 26. Find a participating location in your area at this link.
National prescription drug take back events highlight the importance of safely disposing medications that are no longer needed or expired. During the 17th National Take Back Day in April 2019, Tennesseans disposed of more than 21,000 pounds of pills.
Drug Take-Back Boxes
Prescription drug take-back boxes provide a place where unused prescription drugs can be safely disposed. These permanent boxes prevent prescription and over-the-counter medications from getting into the hands of children and into the waterways. They make sure they are disposed of in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner. Find a location near you: Prescription Drug Take-Back Box Map
Safe At-Home Disposal
Do not flush or pour medications down the drain. Remove medication from original packaging and mix with an undesirable substance such kitty litter or used coffee grounds. Place the mixture in a bag and throw in your trash container. Remove and destroy any personal information on the empty medicine container and recycle the empty container.
Count It! Lock It! Drop It!
Count It! Drop It! Lock It!® is a comprehensive community program for prescription drug abuse prevention that began in Coffee County, Tenn. CLD empowers and educates individuals on how they can help prevent prescription drug misuse by properly counting, locking, or disposing of prescription medications.
Count It! Make it a goal to count your pills once every two weeks. This will prevent theft and help ensure medications are taken properly.
Lock It! Lock up your medications and store them in a secure place that others would not think to look.
Drop It! Drop off your unused or expired medications for proper disposal at drop boxes located in participating law enforcement offices or pharmacies.
Learn more about Count It! Drop It! Lock It! on the campaign's website at this link.
