Traces of pharmaceuticals have been found in waterways such as lakes, rivers, streams, wastewater treatment plants and even drinking water for decades due to improper disposal of controlled substances.

Pharmaceuticals enter our water supplies in various means such as through human excretion which end up in sewage systems, improper disposal by patients, pharmacies and healthcare facilities that flush medications down the drain and by pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities which discharge waste into ground and water supplies. Animal hospitals and livestock facilities also contribute to improper disposal of controlled drugs.

Disposal of Controlled Substances

The DEA has passed a final ruling in 2014, the Disposal Act which amends the Controlled Substances Act, aimed to reduce the risk of environmental contamination and drug diversion through proper disposal of waste in pharmaceutical industry operations. Regulations 40 CFR Protection of the Environment issued by the EPA provides rulings for the proper disposal of controlled substances in an effort to prevent pharmaceutical waste from entering the environment by improper disposal which has a negative effect on aquatic ecosystems, animal and fish populations. 40 CFR finalizes prohibitions on disposing of waste pharmaceuticals by flushing or disposing down the drain by entities subject to this ruling.

Pharmacies must follow strict guidelines for the proper disposal of controlled substances and non-controlled substances. As the generator of the prescription to the end user, the pharmacist and pharmacy has an opportunity to educate the end user on proper disposal methods. More needs to be done in this area to inform pharmacies on how to educate their own pharmacists and the end user for disposal of controlled substance waste.

Pharmaceutical Industry Waste Solutions

Some pharmacies have begun to offer the medication Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, to block the effects of opioids and prevent deadly overdoses when prescribing opioid medication. Users of opioid medication should learn how to use Narcan and keep this on hand when taking opioid medications. We applaud these initiatives to raise awareness to the potential danger of controlled substances and offer our services to pharmacies to assist in further education of proper disposal methods.

Proactive pharmacies also provide to the end user methods for the proper disposal of unused controlled drugs when medication is stopped before it is fully consumed. Educating the end user on proper disposal methods will help to prevent drug diversion and environmental contamination. Neutralizing unused pharmaceutical industry waste with DEA and EPA compliant disposal methods is important for pharmacists and the end user.

Rx Destroyer™ offers solutions for disposal of controlled substances for Pharmacies

Our 1 Gallon PRO product or the 64 PRO, which can be found in pharmacies across the country. Walgreens offers our 4 oz. bottle with the capacity to hold up to 50 pills for disposal of controlled substance waste. Our patented*, fast acting formula begins neutralizing medications on contact with no need to add water, no batteries required and no flammable powders.

See All Products

We educate and support our pharmacy clients to meet DEA and EPA guidelines.

To qualified customers, Rx Destroyer™ offers:

Free Compliance
Consultations

Product Education
Training

Industry Best
Practices

Free Samples

Rx Destroyer™ is committed to saving water, saving lives…one prescription at a time. We provide simple products that are easy to use, effective and affordable. Learn more about our proven solutions for proper disposal of controlled substances.