Description of a Medication Disposal Event in a Managed Care Setting

Abstract

Background: Consumers are often unaware of the best means of disposing of unwanted medications. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) recommends that unwanted medications be removed from the original container, mixed with an undesirable material, and disposed of in the trash. If followed, these guidelines should minimize environmental contamination, poisonings, and diversion that can result from improper medication disposal. ONDCP also recommends that consumers take advantage of medication collection programs in their communities. Objective: To describe the steps involved in implementing a medication disposal event in a managed care setting, report collection results, and describe lessons learned. Methods: A medication disposal event was organized and implemented at a health plan facility on Earth Day, April 22, 2009, to give consumers an opportunity to dispose of their expired or unused medications in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner. During the event, consumers were directed to drive to the facility and dispose of their medications without exiting their vehicles. Pharmacists, student pharmacists, health plan employees, and local police collaborated to collect and properly dispose of the medications after they were categorized and documented as controlled substances, noncontrolled substances, or hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. Educational materials explaining the proper and safe disposal of medications were distributed to all consumers. Results: The event resulted in the collection of a total of 41,601 units of medications weighing approximately 100 lbs. Of those medications, 96% were noncontrolled substances, 3% were controlled substances, and 1% were classified as hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. Conclusions: A medication disposal event can be implemented by pharmacists in collaboration with outside agencies to allow for appropriate disposal of medications, aiding in the prevention of drug diversion and environmental contamination. A stepwise approach was outlined allowing for the event to be replicated in a community setting.