Medications left in home medicine cabinets can be misused, abused, or disposed of by children or other family members, and can also be found by people who are seeking to commit drug crimes. Rates of prescription medication abuse are rising and the problem can be easily solved by safely disposing of unused medications at home.More info :www.takebackyourmeds.org

Twice a year — in April and October — the Drug Enforcement Administration hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at thousands of sites across the country where prescription drugs and other controlled substances can be dropped off for safe disposal. The program is free and anonymous.

You can also use the DEA’s list of permanent Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations to find a place to drop off unwanted medicines at other times of the year. Many of these locations also accept vaping devices and cartridges with lithium batteries removed (for safety reasons).

Medication Safety 101: Understanding Take Back Your Meds Initiatives

In addition to the DEA’s twice-a-year National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, CVS Pharmacy(r) participates in state and local take-back events at various community locations and offers in-store medication disposal units available during regular pharmacy hours at thousands of stores nationwide. These safe-disposal units are located in the Pharmacy Waiting Area and accept pills, liquids, creams, patches, inhalers, and other over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

Always read the medicine packaging to ensure proper disposal instructions. If the information is unclear, mix the medicine with an inedible substance – like dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds – before placing it in your trash. You can also scratch out all personal information on pill bottle labels before throwing them away.