Guidance and Websites about Proper Disposal of Unwanted Household Medicines
On this page:
- EPA Memoranda about Disposal of Collected Household Medicines
- EPA Guidance Documents about Disposal of Unwanted Household Medicines
- Guidance Documents and Websites about Safe Disposal of Household Sharps
- Other Documents
- Websites from EPA and Other Federal Agencies
- Other Websites
EPA Memoranda about Disposal of Collected Household Medicines
Management of Household Pharmaceuticals Collected by Law Enforcement During Take-Back Events and Programs, September 11, 2018, RCRA Online # 14906.
Household Hazardous Waste Exemption for Pharmaceuticals Collected via DEA-Approved Take-Back or Collection Programs, October 2, 2015, RCRA Online # 14853*.
Recommendation on the Disposal of Household Pharmaceuticals Collected by Take-Back Events, Mail Back, and Other Collection Programs, September 26, 2012, RCRA Online # 14833*.
EPA Guidance Documents about Disposal of Unwanted Household Medicines
How to Dispose of Medicines Properly (pdf)(194 KB).
Dispose of Medicines, Vitamins and Other Supplements Properly (pdf)(644 KB).
Do Your Part, Be Septic Smart (pdf)(253 KB).
Guidance Documents and Websites about Safe Disposal of Household Sharps
Community Options for Safe Needle Disposal (pdf)(579 KB).
Protect Yourself, Protect Others: Safe Options for Home Needle Disposal (pdf)(259 KB).
Safe Needle Disposal - a project of NeedyMeds - promotes public awareness and community solutions for safe disposal of needles, syringes, and other sharps.
Other Documents
Government Accountability Office’s Report to Congressional Committees Prescription Opioids: Patient Options for Safe and Effective Disposal of Unused Opioids (pdf)(1 MB).
Product Stewardship Institute’s "How to Guide for Drug Take-Back: Managing a Pharmacy-Based Collection Program for Leftover Household Pharmaceuticals" (pdf)(1.851 MB).
Websites from EPA and Other Federal Agencies
EPA’s Office of Water - Contaminants of Emerging Concern including Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Your Prescription Medicine: Tips for Safe Storage and Disposal.
Drug Enforcement Administration - National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration - Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know.
U.S. Geological Survey – Pharmaceuticals in Water.
U.S. Geological Survey – Emerging Contaminants.