Overview
The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is focused on alleviating the health and safety concerns from the diversion and misuse of prescription drugs by helping our citizens properly dispose of unused prescription medications. Keeping unused opioids or other common drugs of misuse in a medicine cabinet is no longer safe or responsible.
Law enforcement agencies interested in hosting a medication take-back box can learn how to obtain a box, review requirements, and arrange for medication disposal in the How law enforcement can get a medication take-back box section below.
Handling medications
- Lock up all your medications
- Don't share your medications with anyone or take someone else’s medications
- Safely dispose of unused or unwanted medications. When you pick up a prescription, ask your pharmacist for drug disposal pouches or find a drug take-back box.
Disposing of medications
Each take-back location has the right to determine what items they will accept in their box.
DEA regulations ALLOW for the disposal of:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Prescription patches
- Prescription ointments
- Vitamins
- Pet medicines
DEA regulations DO NOT ALLOW for the disposal of:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Compressed cylinders or aerosols (e.g., asthma inhalers)
- Iodine-containing medications
- Thermometers
- Alcohol & illicit drugs (i.e. marijuana, heroin, LSD, etc.)
Preparing medications for disposal
- All prescribed medications to be disposed of should be contained inside their original bottle or placed inside a small sealed container (i.e. plastic bottle) or zip-lock bag
- Personal information should be removed or marked out with a permanent marker
Find a drug take-back location
Pennsylvania has prescription drug take-back locations across the state where residents can safely and anonymously dispose of old, unwanted, or unused medications. Many locations are hosted by law enforcement agencies to ensure medications are securely collected and properly disposed of.
No identification or personal information is required to drop off medications.
Use the map below to find a take-back location near you.
How law enforcement can get a medication take-back box
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1
Explore funding options
If your agency needs funding to purchase a medication take-back box, contact your local District Attorney's Office or county drug and alcohol office to learn about potential funding opportunities.
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2
Review federal requirements
Contact your regional Drug Enforcement Administration office to learn about the requirements for hosting and managing a medication take-back box.
Review Title 21, Section 1317.35 of the Code of Federal Regulations for federal requirements related to medication collection and disposal by law enforcement agencies. -
3
Purchase a box and plan for medication disposal
Research medication take-back box suppliers to find an option that meets your agency's needs.
Before installing your box, establish a plan for safely disposing of collected medications. Contact your local District Attorney's Office or other law enforcement agencies that operate take-back boxes to learn about disposal procedures and available resources.
If you need additional assistance, email the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs at RA-DAPREVENTION@pa.gov. -
4
Add your location to the statewide map
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs maintains a statewide map to help residents find medication take-back locations.
Once your box is installed and ready for use, email RA-DAPREVENTION@pa.gov with the following information:- Agency name
- Contact information
- County
- Take-back box location and address
- Hours the take-back box is available to the public
Providing this information helps ensure residents can find your location on the statewide medication take-back box locator map.