Welcome to DisposeMyMeds.org, an online resource for independent community pharmacies to develop their own medication disposal program. If you stumbled upon our page looking to dispose of your medication, watch this short video below from the FDA that explains how you can safely dispose of unused or expired medicine.
Looking to Dispose of Your Medications At A Location?
Find a participating pharmacy near you that accepts unused and expired medications for safe disposal. Note: some locations may charge for these services, be sure to call ahead and confirm before visiting the location! Over 1,600 independent community pharmacies across the country have participated in a program like this, collecting more than 200,000 pounds of unused medications to protect families and the environment.
Are You a Pharmacy Owner?
Start a medication disposal program that attracts new patients while serving your community!
Why Offer Medication Disposal Services?
Grow Your Patient Base: Past medication return programs show that 40-49% of customers returning medications come from other pharmacies- a tremendous opportunity for patient conversion.
Low-Cost, High Impact Service: Differentiate your pharmacy with a program that many patients want while protecting your community from improper drug disposal and potential misuse.
NCPA Member-Only Benefits:
- Nearly 20% discount on Sharps TAKEAWAY™ Environmental Return System
- Free shipping on all products
Benefits for all owners:
- Free customizable marketing materials available
- Increased visibility through Medical Waste Pros consumer mapping tool
- Support our mission while providing an important service to your community
How It Works
Choose Your System:
- 10-gallon or 20-gallon collection boxes – Keep behind your counter for patient drop-off
- Pre-paid mail envelopes – Distribute to patients for home disposal
Simple Process:
- Patients bring medications to your pharmacy
- Pharmacist places items in the TakeAway system (kept behind counter)
- When full, seal the container and hand to UPS
- Sharps Compliance incinerates at their permitted Texas facility (witnessed by law enforcement)
Order Today: Call Sharps at 1.800.772.5657
Request Complimentary Envelope Box
Questions? Contact the NCPA Foundation at ncpaf@ncpafoundation.org.
A Valuable Service For Independent Community Pharmacy
Program Details
Dispose My Meds is managed by the NCPA Foundation and designed to help independent community pharmacies protect their patients and the environment. As trusted medication experts, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to lead the way in preventing pharmaceutical waste and medication misuse.
The improper disposal of medications poses risks to families, communities, and the environment. By participating in this program, you showcase your leadership role in the community while providing a valuable service patients actively seek.
For Pharmacies
What’s Included:
- Discounted TakeAway™ Environmental Return System products
- Free shipping to and from your pharmacy
- Pre-paid, pre-addressed return labels
- Complete tracking through UPS
- Customizable marketing materials
- Consumer mapping tool inclusion
Compliance Information:
- No controlled substances accepted
- Collection boxes must be kept behind counter (not freely accessible)
- Pharmacist involvement ensures proper disposal
- Check with your state Board of Pharmacy for specific regulations!!
Should you have specific questions, check directly with your Board of Pharmacy to ensure that you are in full compliance with your respective state pharmacy regulations.
Products and Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can controlled substances be disposed of through this program?
No. DEA guidelines restrict the return of controlled substances without direct law enforcement involvement. For controlled substance disposal, consult with local law enforcement or DEA take-back events.
What happens to the medications after collection?
ll collected medications are shipped to Sharps Compliance’s permitted facility in Carthage, Texas, where they are incinerated in an environmentally sound manner, witnessed by law enforcement.
Can I track my shipments?
Yes. Both incoming products and return shipments can be tracked through UPS.
Is there a weight limit?
The 20-gallon TakeAway system has a 50 lb. return limit. Systems over 50 lbs. incur a charge of $1.50 per pound over the limit.
Do I need special approval from my state Board of Pharmacy?
While most state pharmacy practice acts don’t specifically address medication take-back programs, it’s recommended to check with your state Board of Pharmacy to ensure full compliance with local regulations.
How does the TakeAway Environmental Return System work?
- The Sharps TakeAway Environmental Return System is a safe, easy method to dispose of unused patient medications, available in 10- or 20-gallon pharmacy drop boxes or convenient postage pre-paid envelopes for patients to mail on their own.
- Patients and consumers can bring in their unwanted or expired medications and hand them over to the pharmacist, who will insert them into the TakeAway Environmental Return System kept behind the counter.
- When the box is full, the pharmacist seals it and hands it off to a UPS carrier. The TakeAway Environmental Return System is prepaid and pre-addressed for an incineration facility operated by Sharps Compliance, Inc. in Carthage, Texas, where incineration is witnessed by law enforcement. In addition, a pharmacy can choose to distribute envelopes to patients to drop their medications into, seal, and mail back to the incineration facility.
