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June 7, 2026A recent article in NC Health News discussed water quality issues at Durham’s Third Fork Creek.
Proper medication disposal is an effective way to make a positive impact in reducing pollution and improving water quality.
Take-back options include periodic drug take-back events, drug take-back locations, and prepaid drug mail-back envelopes. Operation Medicine Drop is a statewide program designed to collect and properly destroy expired and unwanted medications. Live drop-off events are hosted across North Carolina in the spring and fall; however, permanent and secure drop-off boxes are also available year-round. Finding a drop-off location near you is easy. Enter your zip code at this link to find a drop-off location near you.
If you don’t have a drug take-back location near you or if drug mail-back envelopes are not available to you, check the FDA’s Flush List to see if your medicine is on the list. If you cannot get to a drug take-back location, or if a prepaid drug mail-back envelope is not available to you, and there are no specific disposal instructions in the medication guide or package insert, you can follow these simple steps to dispose of most medicines in your trash at home.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) take-back days are scheduled in April and October.
Do your part to protect our families and our environment by safely storing and disposing of medications!