What Can You Take Back?
Learn about how to use medicine take-back programs.
All medicines that your family and your pets use should be properly disposed of at a drug take-back program. More detailed information about specific medicines and other types of medical waste is provided below.
Some prescription medicines like narcotics and stimulants are controlled substances and can only be returned to law enforcement locations. Many of the listed law enforcement sites accept all medicines. Pharmacy sites can accept most medicines, except controlled substances.
Some other medical waste - like sharps and thermometers -- should be properly disposed in other ways. Find out what to do with your items that cannot be returned to the Medicine Take-Back.
Yes: Items Accepted  |
| No: Items Not Accepted  | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription medications: law enforcement locations can accept all prescription medicines. Pharmacies can accept most prescription medicines but not controlled substances. |
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|
NO: Pharmacies cannot accept prescription medicines that are controlled substances. Take these to a law enforcement location. | |
| Over-the-counter medications. |  |
NO: Needles/ Lancets/ Syringes |  |
|
| Vitamins |  |
NO: Thermometers |  |
|
| Medications for pets |  |
NO: Aerosol cans |  |
|
| Medication samples | NO: Hydrogen Peroxide | |||
| Medicated ointments/lotions |  |
NO: Empty containers |  |
|
| Inhalers |  |
NO: Bloody or infectious waste | ||
| Liquid medicine in glass or leak-proof containers (up to 12 oz.) |  |
NO: Personal care products (non-medicated shampoo, etc). |  |
|
| NO: Business waste |