HARTFORD – The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is reminding the public to take part in Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, by properly disposing of unused or expired medications at participating dropbox locations.
"Drug Take Back Day is a great reminder to take the time to clean out your medicine cabinets and dispose of unwanted medications, the right way," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "This campaign is a safe and simple tool for consumers to participate in their community and reduce the access of addictive medications for accidental or incidental misuse.”
“Every single day, lives are lost and destroyed by the ongoing opioid epidemic here in Connecticut and across this country,” said Attorney General Tong. “Connecticut has led nationwide efforts to secure more than $50 billion nationwide to save lives and support treatment, prevention, and recovery, including $600 million for our state alone. But it will take all of us—at every level of government, in every community, and in every home, to combat this public health catastrophe. Do not keep unused and unneeded prescription drugs at home. Consider keeping naloxone available in case of emergency. Together, we can reduce risk and save lives.”
Interested participants can visit one of the 116 drop boxes in the state. A map of participating locations is available at www.ct.gov/dropbox.
Items that are accepted in drug drop boxes:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Medication samples
- Medication for household pets
- Medicated lotions and ointments
Items that are not accepted in drop boxes:
- Needles or other “sharps”
- Hazardous waste
- Thermometers
- Personal care products (shampoo, deodorant, etc.)
Used needles should be placed in a hard-plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle, clearly labeled with “Sharps Waste” and “Do Not Recycle.” In Connecticut, when the container is three-quarters full and the lid is sealed with tape, it can be placed in the curbside trash.
Loose needles should never be recycled, placed in the trash or flushed down the toilet. You may call your physician, local hospital or pharmacy to check if they accept properly contained needles for safe disposal.
When storing medications at home, be sure to keep them in their original container, do not combine pills or capsules, follow temperature instructions, and avoid hot and humid areas, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet.
If you are unable to visit a dropbox, you can safely discard unwanted medications at home. Combine uncrushed capsules in soapy water or coffee grounds, place them in a sealed plastic bag, and throw it out in the household trash. Never flush unused medications down the toilet as it can have harmful effects on the environment.
If you cannot attend Prescription Drug Take Back Day, you may look up locations that offer year-round drop boxes.
For additional resources on Drug Take Back Day, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
Visit DCP’s website for additional information, and watch our video about how to dispose of unneeded or unwanted medication
DCP’s website offers additional information about how to safely dispose of unwanted medication. See our video about
Anyone who has questions about drug disposal or would like to host a drug take back event, can contact DCP’s Drug Control Division at dcp.drugcontrol@ct.gov.