Take Back/Drug Disposal

CHPA recommends following the guidance developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) together with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy for the proper disposal of unused medication in the consumer’s home. CHPA also encourages consumers to utilize National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which occur quarterly in cities throughout the United States.

These methods are environmentally sound, since trash is either incinerated or landfilled. Modern landfills in the United States are constructed with an impervious liner and leachate collection system to minimize the amount of liquid material that may be released.

CHPA opposes legislation mandating drug take-back programs, which do not address the primary source of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals found in the water supply, as more than 90 percent of those substances are from human use and excretion.

Our Position

CHPA opposes mandatory manufacturer-funded drug take-back programs as they threaten the affordability of OTC medications that consumers rely on as the first line of defense against common ailments. Instead, state and local governments should support programs that educate consumers about the expansive existing drug disposal options around the country.

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Browse Take Back/Drug Disposal Content

CHPA Impacts Spring 2023 teaser image

Infographic

CHPA Impacts Spring 2023

May 17, 2023

Video

Drug Take Back Day 2022

Apr 27, 2022

Weekly Voice Teaser

Weekly Voice

Illinois Drug Take-Back Bill Advances to Governor

An Illinois bill, mandating that the pharmaceutical industry fund a product stewardship program for the collection and destruction of unused, unwanted, or expired drugs, was passed out of the legislature and will be transmitted to Governor J.B. Pritzker for signature. 

Apr 12, 2022

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Podcast

CHPA Chat - The Impact of Environmental Policy on Consumer Healthcare

As global climate change becomes a greater focus of policymakers, healthcare manufacturers are seeing more environmental regulation coming their way. What exactly are states considering? And how can manufacturers lean in to become more environmentally friendly?

Feb 21, 2022

chpa chat logo on blue background

Podcast

CHPA Chat - Medfluencers: Supporting Trusted Brands on Social Media and Beyond

Anita Brikman sits down with board-certified pediatrician and co-founder of Forever Freckled, Dr. Katie Friedman to discuss the rise of the healthcare social media influencer.

Sep 6, 2021

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Podcast

CHPA Chat: Environmental Policy Meets Consumer Healthcare at the State Level

What does climate change and environmental policy have to do with FDA approved self-care products? More than you’d think! Hear from Carlos Gutierrez and Kevin Canan as they dig into what’s ahead for the consumer healthcare industry when it comes to environmental rules and regulations.

Jun 7, 2021

Video

Safe In-home Medicine Disposal

Follow three easy steps to safely dispose of expired medicines in your home.

Nov 16, 2015

A picture of generic OTC medicines
Drug Take-Back in the States

CHPA opposes mandatory manufacturer-funded drug take-back programs as they threaten the affordability of OTC medications that consumers rely on as the first line of defense against common ailments.

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Looking to dispose of your unused, unwanted, or expired over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications? MyOldMeds.com is here to help! Search for disposal locations near your zip code. MyOldMeds.com can point you to over 12,000 verifiable locations nationwide!

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