Prevent misuse and accidents, and protect the environment
If you or your loved ones were prescribed painkillers, sedatives, stimulants, attention-deficit medications or other drugs and have leftovers, your medicine cabinet is the wrong place to keep them.
Our nation faces an epidemic of misuse of prescription drugs, which in some cases can lead to addiction or accidental poisoning. Our environment is feeling the effects of drugs that were flushed or thrown out improperly.
You can help stop these problems by making sure your unneeded medications are disposed of safely.
Special events
Safe Medication Disposal Event
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Two U-M locations: North University Ave., across from Ingalls Mall, and Building 10, North Campus Research Complex
Sponsored by the U-M College of Pharmacy
Pain Medication Take-Back Event
Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor
Sponsored by the UMHS Department of Anesthesiology and the Ann Arbor Police Department
Want to learn how to organize your own take-back event? See this guide
From the UMHS Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Research
Permanent Disposal Locations
See the list of sites in Washtenaw, Livingston, Lenawee and Monroe Counties of Michigan compiled by the UMHS Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Research
Search for a local law enforcement agency near you that has an RxDrugDropBox.
Search for local site that has a MedReturn Drug Collection Unit.
In the Great Lakes states (Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York) search for a pharmacy near you that has a Yellow Jugs for Old Drugs collection bin
Look for a nearby location on this list of drug disposal sites compiled by the Michigan Do Your Part initiative
All Michigan State Police posts also take back medications, no questions asked. Find the nearest one to you
You can also call your local law enforcement agency or pharmacy to ask if they take unused medications
If your county, city, town or township offers a Household Hazardous Waste Day, check to see if they will accept medications (pharmaceutical waste)
Call your local Poison Control Center via the national hotline at 1-800-222-1222
More information
Disposal of Unused Medicine: What you should know
From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Prescription drug abuse information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
Which drugs is it safe to flush?
Get the list from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration