HARTFORD – The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is reminding the public to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual initiative, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), encourages people to safely discard unwanted or expired medications.
Participating locations will accept over the counter or prescription medications, treatments for household pets, and medicated lotions or ointments. The initiative does not accept used sharps, hazardous waste, thermometers, or personal care products such as shampoo or deodorant.
“Drug Take Back Day is a great reminder to keep track of what’s inside our medicine cabinets and to get rid of unwanted medication,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “This is a great national initiative that promotes public health and safety, and everyone who participates has a significant impact on preventing medication misuse in our state. If you’re not able to participate this weekend, make sure to review our tips for year-round safe drug disposal, and take advantage of one of the 117 permanent drug drop boxes we have around the state.”
"Recognized twice annually Take Back Day offers residents the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired household pharmaceuticals. This day may feel like a small act, but it is incredibly impactful step towards our work to end prescription drug misuse and tackle the opioid crisis," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "A lot of us may have prescription opioids from a procedure that were no longer needed, medication that has expired or, medication that you are simply just no longer taking and forgot about. This is your opportunity to do a little clean up and put a stop to prescription drug misuse."
“For over a decade, National Drug Take Back has given citizens a reliable, safe way to rid their homes of unneeded, expired, or unwanted medications. In Connecticut, we rely on community drop boxes, mobile collection events, and public awareness campaigns. Last year alone, we collected over 9,000 pounds of medications at more than 72 sites. Over the past 12 years, we have safely disposed of more than 165,000 pounds statewide. But collection is just part of the solution. We must also invest in education, prevention, and public awareness—especially around the dangers of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, and the need for secure storage in every household. DMHAS is proud to support a variety of statewide efforts and hopes to build upon the progress we have made in reducing overdose deaths in our state,” said DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta.
How to Safely Discard Used Needles or Sharps:
- Contact your town or city: Disposal practices may vary by municipality. Call your local trash removal service or health department for the preferred method of discarding used sharps, needles, and syringes.
- Ask your prescriber: Check with your physician, local hospital, or pharmacy to find out if they provide used sharps containers. Ask if they will accept properly packaged sharps containers.
- Create a safe container at home: Choose a hard-plastic container that cannot be punctured, such as a laundry detergent bottle or coffee can.
- Label the container with “Sharps” or “Do Not Recycle”
- When the container is ¾ full, reinforce the cap with duct tape, and place it into the household trash.
- Do not place loose needles or any GLP-1 injectable medications in the trash:
- Throwing used sharps in the household trash can cause harm to waste management workers or curious young children in the home.
- Used sharp containers should not be placed in the recycling bin.
If you cannot participate in Drug Take Back Day this weekend, there are additional ways to safely discard unused or unwanted medication any day of the year:
- Visit a year-round drop box: Consumers may drop off unwanted medication at a participating police department or pharmacy during business hours.
- Dropbox locations are secure and approved by DCP’s Drug Control Division.
- Discard at home: Place uncrushed pills in a plastic bag with an undesirable substance such as cat litter or coffee grounds.
- Once the bag is sealed, put in household trash.
- Attend the next Drug Take Back Day: The biannual event will happen again on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
For additional resources on Drug Take Back Day, visit: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
DCP’s website offers additional information about how to safely dispose of unwanted medication.
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.