DEA rules on collection of unused controlled medicines

Bellevue residents are one step closer to having safe disposal options for their unused medicines.

October 6, 2014 7:30 pm

Bellevue residents are one step closer to having safe disposal options for their unused medicines.

The DEA recently published a final rule, which expands collection options for unused controlled medicines. Now pharmacies, mail-back, and drop-boxes at long-term care facilities will be able to serve as collection methods.

“In King County, drug overdoses have surpassed car crashes as a leading cause of preventable death. And more people die from prescription medicines than from heroin and cocaine combined. I commend the DEA for helping to make our communities safer,” said Joe McDermott who chairs the King County Board of Health.

The new rule aligns with regulations passed by the King County Board of Health, which will create a product-stewardship program for unused medicines in King County. Under the law:

  • Residents will be encouraged to drop, free-of-charge, their leftover and expired medicines in secure boxes located in retail pharmacies or law enforcement offices throughout King County;
  • Collected medicines would then be destroyed by incineration;
  • Drug manufacturers selling medicines for residential use in King County would be required to run and pay for the program; and
  • Public Health – Seattle & King County would oversee the program to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

However, implementation of the King County Board of Health’s program has been delayed because of a lawsuit against King County by drug manufacturers. A lawsuit against Alameda County over a similar program is currently under review by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

“While the DEA rule is a milestone, it does not create or mandate take-back programs,” said McDermott. “Programs like King County’s are important because about 30 percent of medicines go unused. Consumers need a safe and convenient way to get these drugs out of their homes before they put their families at risk.”

The final DEA rule takes effect Oct. 9, 2014.

Until King County’s Secure Medicine Return Regulations are fully implemented, there are voluntary take-back locations available in some King County communities. For specific locations, visit www.takebackyourmeds.org or call 206-263-3014.