Unused or expired medications can cause serious problems, including misuse, accidental poisoning, and harm to the environment. In Colorado, residents have convenient and anonymous options for disposing of these medications safely throughout the year. These services aim to protect public health, limit access to unneeded medications, and prevent pharmaceutical waste from contaminating our environment.
Why Safe Disposal Matters
Medications stored at home are a leading source of nonmedical use, particularly among young people. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
- Approximately 8.6 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in the past year.
- Among them, 574,000 adolescents aged 12–17 misused opioids, a 41% increase from the previous year.
In most cases, these medications are most commonly obtained through friends, relatives, or unsecured household supplies.
Safe disposal also prevents medications from entering landfills or wastewater systems. Flushing medications or throwing them in the trash can release pharmaceutical compounds into rivers and groundwater, where wastewater treatment plants do not fully remove them. These compounds can disrupt aquatic life and may eventually impact the quality of drinking water.
Year-Round Disposal Options in Colorado
The Colorado Medication Take Back Program, managed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, provides over 170 permanent drop-boxes at retail pharmacies, hospital or clinic pharmacies, and law enforcement offices.
What is Accepted?
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- Prescription medications (including opioids and other controlled substances)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins
- Prescription patches and creams
- Inhalers
- Veterinary medications
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What is NOT Accepted?
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- Syringes or sharps
- Thermometers
- Chemotherapy medications
- Illicit substances
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Community Take-Back Events
In addition to year-round drop-off locations, Colorado participates in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held every October and April, which began in 2010. These events provide temporary, community-based collection sites for anonymous medication disposal. The DEA reported that the most recent Take Back Day event, which took place in October 2024, gathered 629,953 pounds of medication. Colorado alone contributed 11,471 pounds, ranking second among Western states, just behind California.
The next National Drug Take Back Event is April 26, 2025.
Removing unused medications from the home helps prevent substance misuse, protects children and pets from accidental ingestion, and keeps Colorado’s water clean. Whether through a local drop box or a take-back event, safely disposing of medications is a simple action with long-term benefits for individuals, families, and the environment.
Learn More and Find a Drop-Off Location
Colorado Medication Take Back Program: www.takemedsseriously.org
DEA National Take Back Day: www.dea.gov/takebackday
