Now wait: don't just think you can take back any old form of drug. We're talking prescriptions here, and potentially dangerous ones at that. In fact, I recently wrote an article about the 9 Items That Are Illegal to ‘Throw Away’ in Iowa & Could Cost You. The #1 item on that list was pharmaceuticals.

Well, across the Tri-States, and the nation as a whole, improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, such as throwing them in the trash or flushing them, can have harmful environmental effects. When drugs enter landfills or sewage systems, they can seep into groundwater or make their way into lakes and rivers. Most wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to fully remove pharmaceutical compounds, which means that trace amounts of these drugs can persist in the environment. This can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and potentially impact human health as drug residues make their way into drinking water supplies.

A variety of prescription pills lie in front of their respective bottles.
Credit: Darwin Brandis
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Additionally, throwing away medications in the trash poses risks related to drug misuse and accidental poisoning. Discarded medications can be retrieved and abused, contributing to the opioid crisis or other forms of drug misuse. There is also the risk that children or pets might accidentally consume improperly disposed drugs. To prevent these issues, many states, like Iowa, promote the use of drug take-back programs, which offer safe and responsible methods for disposing of unused or expired medications. It just so happens that National Drug Take Back Day falls on October 26th of this year.

Credit: Canva Here's what someone who uses or abuses prescription drugs might see when they open your medicine cabinet.
Credit: Canva
Here's what someone who uses or abuses prescription drugs might see when they open your medicine cabinet.
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What is National Drug Take Back Day?

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a vital public health initiative in the United States, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It occurs twice a year, typically in April and October, providing individuals with a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications. Many communities across the country participate, offering designated locations where people can drop off these drugs—no questions asked. The goal is to prevent drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental harm by keeping medications out of the wrong hands and away from water systems.

Credit: US Department of Justice / Drug Enforcement Agency A list of drop off prescription drug drop off locations that can be used year round.
Credit: US Department of Justice / Drug Enforcement Agency
A list of prescription drug drop-off locations that can be used year-round near Dubuque, Iowa.
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Proper Disposal of Unused Medications

While National Drug Take Back Day is an excellent opportunity to get rid of old medications, it's not the only way to dispose of them properly. Pharmacies and local law enforcement agencies often have year-round drug disposal programs, such as secure drop-off boxes or mail-back programs. Many pharmacies offer convenient disposal options like these to help you safely get rid of unwanted drugs without waiting for the DEA's annual event. If you are looking for a local event, find a full list of locations for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by visiting this site and entering you zip code.

Credit: FDA YouTube Channel
Credit: FDA YouTube Channel
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For those who don't have easy access to a drug take back program, safe at-home disposal methods are available. If a take back program isn't an option, most medications can be thrown away in household trash—just follow these steps: mix the drugs with something undesirable like coffee grounds or cat litter (to prevent abuse), seal the mixture in a container, and dispose of the sealed container in your garbage. Be sure to scratch out any personal information on prescription labels to protect your privacy.

Credit: FDA
Credit: FDA
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Disposing of medications safely is critical for a few reasons. First, keeping unused drugs around increases the risk of accidental poisoning or overdoes, particularly for children and pets. It also helps to reduce prescription drug misuse, which is a major factor in the opioid crisis.

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Additionally, improper disposal methods—like flushing certain medications down the toilet—can lead to environmental damage, contaminating water supplies. While some drugs are safe to flush, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a list of medications that should be disposed of this way. However, most should be thrown away or taken to a designated drop-off site.

By participating in National Drug Take Back Day, or at least using proper disposal methods, you can help protect your community and the environment while reducing the risks associated with expired or unused medications. Be part of the solution across the Tri-State area on October 26th.

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