Don’t hang onto old meds, Missouri. Here’s the safe way to dispose of them | Opinion
On Oct. 25, Missouri will once again take part in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an event held each spring and fall for the past 15 years to encourage safe medicine disposal. Earlier this year, just over 10.5 tons of medications were collected from 131 sites throughout Missouri — about the weight of a dump truck. Over the years, this biannual event has become a reminder of the scale at which medications accumulate in households nationwide.
But medicine disposal isn’t seasonal. It’s a year-round practice that should be as routine as taking out the trash or cleaning up around the house. I lead the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group, which oversees the MyOldMeds program, centered on promoting the responsible use, storage and disposal of household medicines. MyOldMeds maintains an easily searchable locator for more than 32,000 free, convenient and easy options for medicine disposal nationwide. By simply entering a ZIP code in our locator tool at myoldmeds.com, you can easily find disposal options within a 5- to 50-mile radius.
In Missouri, there are 629 locations statewide — including 45 in Kansas City. Most offer a secure drop-off kiosk, while others provide pre-paid mail-back envelopes or in-home disposal kits. They are located in places you may already visit, such as pharmacies, law enforcement centers, government buildings and hospitals.
Proper medicine disposal is crucial to keeping loved ones safe at home, but responsible medicine management starts earlier with proper storage and use. Most medications come with dosage instructions printed on the label or in an accompanying packet. Get into the habit of checking those instructions regularly, even for medications you take often, as they may change. Knowing and following them will help ensure your medication is effective. As you review, also look for storage recommendations. If you can, keep medicines in a cool, dark place out of reach of children and pets. Medicines can break down and become less effective when exposed to light, humidity or extreme temperatures.
Many people hesitate to dispose of unused or expired medications, thinking they might come in handy later. However, this can cause more harm than good. Regular disposal prevents misuse and ensures they are used only when truly needed. It is recommended to clean out your medicine cabinet every six months, but don’t stop there. Many overlook old medications tucked away in nightstands, junk drawers or glove compartments. The FDA recommends using secure drop-off locations such as the ones identified on MyOldMeds.com, as they are the best option. Drugs disposed of at these locations are secure and inaccessible until they can be properly incinerated.
April’s Take Back Day showed that many Missourians are aware of the importance of proper medicine disposal. While this event is a welcome reminder, we are working to make medicine disposal part of our regular routine. So the next time you open that kitchen drawer to find batteries, tape or old receipts, pause for a moment to check if a prescription bottle is hiding there. Removing unused medications is a small step with a meaningful impact that helps protect households and communities.
We are committed to raising awareness of the resources available throughout Missouri and the rest of the country. Visit our Missouri resource page at myoldmeds.com/missouri for suggestions on how to start the conversation with friends and family, or use our toolkit to share it with your community on social media. With the next DEA Take Back Day coming up on Oct. 25, now is the perfect time to clear out unused medicines and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can make medicine stewardship easier, cleaner and safer for everyone.
Irina Butler is executive director of the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group, a 501(c)(6) business league.