Disposing of leftover prescription drugs can be done in a safe and responsible way by following these guidelines:

1. Contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider to inquire about any medication disposal programs in your area. Many pharmacies and healthcare providers have take-back programs or can provide guidance on how to safely dispose of medications.
2. There are local and national organizations that accept medication donations, such as donation programs run by non-profit organizations, charities, or government agencies. Examples of such programs include:
   • DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Twice a year, the DEA hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, where you can anonymously dispose of unused or expired medications at designated collection sites. You can find a list of collection sites near you on the DEA website: DEA Take Back Day: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
   • Colorado Household Medication and Sharps Takeback program: This program allows you to dispose of unused or expired medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) at participating pharmacies, police stations, and other locations. You can find a list of collection sites near you on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website: Colorado Household Medication and Sharps Takeback program: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/colorado-medication-take-back-program
   • Boulder County Sheriff’s Office: The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office accepts unused or expired prescription drugs at their headquarters during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm). They also have a green collection box in the entranceway where you can anonymously drop off medications.
   • Safeway Pharmacies: All Safeway pharmacies in Colorado accept unused or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.
3. Follow proper disposal instructions if no donation or take-back programs are available in your area. To dispose of medication safely at home, the US FDA recommends mixing the medication with a substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter, placing it in a sealed container, and then disposing of it in the trash. It’s important to remove any personal information from the medication container before disposal. Never flush medication down the toilet or sink, as this can cause environmental harm. It’s important to note that not all medications can be donated or disposed of in the same way, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist for specific guidance.