How should outdated or expired controlled substances be disposed of?

The disposal of outdated or expired controlled substances is critically important for public safety and environmental protection. Authorized collection programs are established to safely handle the disposal of such medications, ensuring they are managed in a way that mitigates risks of misuse, accidental ingestion, or environmental damage.

State and federal regulations outline specific methods for disposing of these substances to prevent inappropriate access or harm. Programs might include take-back events or designated drop-off locations where controlled substances can be surrendered safely. These controlled disposal methods help ensure that medications do not enter the waste stream in an unsafe manner.

Throwing controlled substances in the regular trash, flushing them down the toilet, or returning them to a prescribing doctor do not adhere to these regulations. Burying medications or flushing them can lead to contamination of water supplies, while returning medications may not be feasible or within legal guidelines. Thus, participating in authorized disposal programs is the safest and most responsible option.