One strategy for reducing the non-medical use of prescription medications is to make it easier for people to dispose of the medications they no longer need.

October 12, 2010, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that would give consumers a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused prescription drugs. President Obama signed the legislation into law the following week.   Consumers currently seeking to reduce the amount of expired or unwanted prescription drugs in their homes have few disposal options, increasing the risk that teenagers or drug abusers will gain access to them. The Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 seeks to reduce that risk by permitting individuals to deliver their unused medications to responsible state and private drug take-back programs. The bill also authorizes long-term care facilities to dispose of their residents' unused medications.

Up to 17 percent of prescribed medication goes unused, and if improperly disposed, may contribute to drug diversion and environmental problems. The bill would allow consumers to give controlled substances to specially designated individuals for disposal, such as law enforcement officials. It also would allow long-term care facilities to dispose of certain prescription drugs on behalf of their residents.

The legislation is supported by 41 state attorneys general, and cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Corker (R-TN), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Herb Kohl (D-WI), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

For more information on safely securing and disposing of prescription medication, download the brochure on the P4OC website.