Take Back Day: Safe Medication Disposal Protects South Carolina Families

OSUS encourages residents to safely dispose of unused prescriptions to prevent misuse and accidental harm

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering South Carolinians a safe, convenient and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired medications. The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) encourages residents to take part and remove medications from their homes that could pose a risk.

Unused prescriptions kept in the home can increase the risk of misuse, especially among youth, and raise the likelihood of accidental poisoning. Many people do not realize that medications stored in cabinets, drawers or bags can be easily accessed by children, teens or visitors. Studies show that many individuals who misuse prescription medications obtain them from family or friends, often from medicine cabinets.

“Too often, misuse begins with medications that were never intended for someone else,” said Michelle Nienhius, Manager of Prevention Services for OSUS. “Safely disposing of unused prescriptions is a simple step families can take to protect their loved ones and reduce the risk of harm.”

Take Back Day events are held at collection sites across the state, where residents can drop off medications for safe disposal. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted, and all materials are handled and destroyed securely. The event is free and designed to make disposal easy and accessible for communities statewide.

Health experts emphasize that medications should never be shared or thrown in the trash or flushed, as improper disposal can pose safety and environmental risks. In addition to Take Back Day, year-round disposal sites are available at pharmacies, hospitals and law enforcement locations across South Carolina, providing ongoing options for safe removal of unused medications.

“Prevention starts at home,” said Nienhius. “By taking a few minutes to clean out unused medications and dispose of them safely, families can help prevent misuse and protect their communities.”

Residents can find Take Back Day locations and year-round disposal sites using the DEA’s collection site locator at dea.gov/takebackday.

For more information about statewide addiction services and resources, visit daodas.sc.gov.