Safe Medication Disposal
Keeping unused medications in your home can increase the opportunity for:
- Accidental poisoning or ingestion, especially among children and pets
- Medication misuse or diversion
- Unauthorized use of prescription medications
- Unsafe storage of opioids and other potentially addictive medications
- Improper disposal into household trash or wastewater
Removing medications that are no longer needed is a simple step that can help make your home and community safer.
Don’t Flush or Throw Medications Away
without Checking First
If you are unsure how to dispose of a medication, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Whenever possible, use an authorized take-back site or an at-home medication deactivation product.
Get a Free Disposal Bag
Western Plains Public Health offers Deterra® Drug Deactivation Bags and DisposeRx® products at no cost to community members.
Stop by our office or visit us at a community event to pick one up.
Supplies may be limited.
Use a Medication Take-Back Program
Another option is to take unwanted medications to an authorized medication take-back location. North Dakota has medication take-back sites located throughout the state, including locations at participating law enforcement agencies and pharmacies. The North Dakota Attorney General’s Office maintains a current list of available locations: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/take-back-program/.