Drug Control Policy

To make it easier for citizens of the Commonwealth to dispose of their expired or unwanted medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, prescription drop boxes are available across Kentucky in conjunction with law enforcement agencies and local governments. There are now 198  locations in 116 counties, with sites being added daily.

MyOldMeds Kentucky 

We want to encourage every Kentuckian to learn how to take, store and dispose of prescription medicine properly.  By doing so, we can help prevent drug abuse, diversion, accidental ingestions and loss of medical privacy. 

By working together, we can help keep our homes and communities healthy and secure. 

You may be aware that some Kentucky law enforcement agencies have established drug take-back programs that collect expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs from households. The goal of these programs is to reduce the volume of drugs that could end up on the streets and then used illegally. The Department for Environmental Protection supports Kentucky law enforcement in these important efforts.

To help law enforcement ensure that collected drugs are disposed in a legal manner that protects Kentucky citizens and our environment, the Department has developed a guidance document that outlines the proper operation of household pharmaceutical take-back programs. The guidance was developed to help collection programs comply with environmental regulations and determine the most cost effective and responsible disposal methods.

After reviewing this guidance, if you have questions regarding drug take-back programs and the proper disposal of household pharmaceutical waste, please contact the Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance at envhelp@ky.gov or by calling 502.782.6189. In addition, the Division of Compliance Assistance staff are available to speak at your organization’s events or arrange training opportunities on the topic of environmental compliance for household pharmaceutical waste collection programs. the Division of Compliance Assistance staff are available to speak at your organization’s events or arrange training opportunities on the topic of environmental compliance for household pharmaceutical waste collection programs.   Guidelines for Household Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Programs booklet can be found here:  http://dca.ky.gov/DCA%20Resource%20Document%20Library/PharmWasteBooklet4.pdf

Thank you for efforts to prevent drug abuse and for your commitment to protect Kentucky’s citizens and our environment.

National Drug Take-Back Day

 

In all, Kentucky has collected a total of over 99,420  pounds of unused and/or unwanted prescription medications at all Drug Take Back events and locations since October 2011.

Visit www.dea.gov or continue to visit www.odcp.ky.gov for updated collection sites near you.