US Pharm. 2010;35(5):Epub.
Alexandria, VA—Nearly 800 community pharmacies in 40 states are making it easier for consumers to safely discard unused medications. Dispose My Meds is a new program developed by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and partners. Consumers can search for a local disposal program on the program's Web site, www.disposemymeds.org. At participating pharmacies, consumers may dispose of unused medications via postage-paid envelope or onsite collection and disposal. Many pharmacies are using environmental return system products through a partnership between NCPA and Sharps Compliance, Inc. Annually, 200 million lb of pharmaceuticals go unused in the U.S. Unused medications are a factor in accidental poisonings, contributing to an 80% increase in U.S. deaths from unintentional narcotics overdose. U.S. drinking water contains a significant amount of waste pharmaceuticals.
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