At-home drug disposal products can play an important role in keeping rural Coloradans safe

Many Coloradans, especially those in rural areas, struggle with storing old prescription medications at home.

Unused drugs in medicine cabinets pose risks such as accidental exposure for children and teens, who might ingest them by mistake.

Improper disposal can also harm the environment by contaminating soil, water supplies, and aquatic life.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends two primary methods for safe drug disposal: dropping medications at take-back locations or mailing them using prepaid envelopes that are sent to facilities for incineration.

In Colorado, the state-funded Medication and Sharps Takeback program has collected over 400,000 pounds (181 metric tons) of drugs since 2016, with over 300 drop-off sites across the state.

National take-back events in April and October each year provide additional opportunities for proper disposal, ensuring drugs are incinerated and cannot be retrieved.