Safe Storage and Disposal of Opioids

Keep opioids and other medications out of reach of kids and pets. Use a locked cabinet or lockbox to store your opioids.

Store opioids in a cool, dry place, and avoid extreme temperatures.

Using a pill organizer or other tracking system can help you make sure you are taking the right medication at the right time.

Consider setting a repeating alarm, using a medication management smartphone app, or marking a paper calendar or tracker to help take medications at the right time.

If you have changed medications or stopped taking opioids before finishing your prescription, it is important to dispose of the leftover opioids safely. Do not hang on to old medications “just in case.”

Ask your healthcare team how to safely discard unused or expired medications.

• Many pharmacies, clinics, and community programs offer take-back options. Look for a medical disposal drop-box in your local pharmacy.

• Check if your local pharmacy is one of the Virginia Department of Health-approved disposal and takeback locations.

• Bring unused medicines to annual National Prescription Drug Takeback Day events at local collection sites.

• Search for more federally approved year-round disposal programs by zip code.

Not all programs and drop boxes accept liquids, gels, or sharps (needles, auto-injectors) for disposal. Check with your local pharmacy or disposal facility to confirm what products are accepted.

If no safe disposal options are available, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a list of medications that can be safely discarded by flushing down the toilet. Check with your healthcare team about local regulations and restrictions before flushing any medications.