HOW & WHERE TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLERS AND OTHER DRUGS

Never Flush or Drain!

Unused or expired prescription medications should never be flushed or poured down the drain. These potentially dangerous pharmaceutical substances can contribute to contamination of our water supply if not disposed of properly.

Drug Take Back Locations To find a Drug Take Back location near you, use this interactive map.

How to Dispose of Unwanted Prescription Painkillers and Other Medications

Programs and Drug Take Back Day

Whenever possible, take your unused prescription drugs to a collection program or event – the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration brings together local law enforcement and community partners twice a year for national Prescription Drug Take Back Day to encourage safe disposal of controlled and uncontrolled substances, over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, creams, non-aerosol sprays, vials, and pet medications.

Participating Retail Pharmacies

Some retail pharmacies have approved drop boxes to deposit unused opioids and other prescription medications.  Check to see if your local pharmacy has a dropbox. If not, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has a list of dropbox locations throughout the state

To find out which items are accepted in the Tennessee Pharmaceutical Collection Program, click here.

Local Police Departments

If your prescriptions contain narcotics or other controlled substances, contact your local police department to find out if the police will accept them. Some police departments will accept non-controlled substances too, but you should be sure before dropping off items.