Find a Safe Disposal Location Near You
Take Meds Back is here to keep Coloradans safe and protect our environment. Safely dispose of old medications, like opioids, sedatives, and stimulants, in our secure collection boxes around the state.
By safely disposing of your medications in a Medication Takeback Dropbox, you safeguard kids and teens from misuse.
But it gets even better: By not putting old and expired meds down the drain or into the trash, you also preserve Colorado’s precious environment and wildlife!
Join the majority of Coloradans who want to make a positive impact—drop off your unused and expired meds at a Medication Takeback Dropbox!
Click on the map or links below to find a Medication Takeback Dropbox near you.
See What You Can and Can’t Drop Off
Our program can accept most prescription and over-the-counter medications, whether they are pills, patches, liquids, or ointments. To learn more, visit this page. You also can watch the video below to see what you can drop off or read this list at the bottom of the CDPHE web page.
Why Safe Disposal Matters
Getting rid of old or unused meds using a safe disposal box or a take back event is the best way to ensure they won’t be misused or stolen. Colorado has a program with more than 100 secure take back boxes at pharmacies and law enforcement agencies. Many pharmacy chains are committed to safe disposal as well, and have take back boxes conveniently placed inside the pharmacy. You also can go to National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which takes place the last Saturday of April and October. Local police departments also sponsor take back days. Meds collected this way are securely disposed of, usually by incineration.
Protecting the Environment
Medication that is flushed down the toilet can enter the environment, potentially harming humans and wildlife while contaminating our water. Tests often show trace amounts of medications in drinking water, and studies have shown that animals and people have tested positive for prescription medications, even if they have never taken them directly.
Throwing meds away also isn’t safe, as they can be taken from trash and used illegally. If you must throw your medications away, you should mix them with coffee grounds, kitty litter, or something similar. The Environmental Protection Agency has safe disposal guidelines you can consult.
However, the best and safest option is to use a safe disposal program, and with the more boxes and events, it keeps getting easier.
Host an Event or Start a Take Back Box
The state makes it easy to start a take back program—and even pays for it. You also can work with a local law enforcement agency to sponsor an event. Learn more by watching this video or downloading a guide about how to start a take back program or host a take back event.
Learn more about becoming a prescription drug take back partners at CORXConsortium.org