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Safety and Wellness

Four Reasons Why Safe Medicine Disposal Matters

https://www.dea.gov/takebackdayDisposing of unused medications is an environmentally and socially responsible practice.Gillette Children’s supports disposing of unused medicines in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Proper medicine disposal is an important issue for several reasons, including:

Environmental Risks - According to the EPA, most water treatment facilities cannot filter out drugs. That means medicines that are poured down the drain can enter the environment as well as your community’s drinking water supplies.

Health Risks - Keeping drugs in the home beyond the time when they are needed poses health risks. Expired drugs may not only be ineffective, but they can also be harmful to the user.

Accidental Use - Accidental drug overdose is one of the most common sources of household injury. Young children are especially at risk. A key part of securing drugs is disposing of them when they are no longer needed or expired.

Intentional Misuse – Prescription drugs can be used to get high. In fact, the primary source for the medicines teens misuse is their home’s medicine cabinet.

Drug Disposal Programs

Many counties and local law enforcement agencies participate in Drug Take Back Days or have year-round drop boxes to help residents safely dispose of unwanted medications. Go to: DEAtakeback.com to search for your nearest drop site or for more information.

No Drug Drop-Offs in Your Area?

Visit the FDA website for instructions on how to properly dispose of medicines at home.

Gillette can’t take back leftover drugs, but we offer information about how to dispose of them as safely as possible. In fact, there is a drug disposal location right next to Gillette’s St. Paul Clinic. The public main entrance to Regions Hospital has a “Take-Back” medicine drop-off. The secured bin is located on the 1st floor near the south elevators. It is available year-round for drop-offs.