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Household Medication Take-Back Program

Household Medication Take-Back Program

Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medicine and Protect Our Water and Environment!

Flushing or dumping prescription medication down a drain is not a good way to dispose of it. Minor amounts of medication can enter the environment, contaminate drinking water, and affect people and wildlife. Help protect Colorado’s most precious resources by taking your meds back to secure collection boxes!

The drug take-back effort aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.

You may drop off the following items at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands Ranch Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive in Highlands Ranch on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Items will not be accepted on holidays.

Accepted Drop Off Items :

  • Prescription medications, including prescribed controlled substances (DEA Schedule II– V).
  • Over-the-counter medications. Liquid medications (small amounts in original, non-leaking containers).
  • Medicated patches (Used Fentanyl and Duragesic® patches are extremely hazardous. They may be folded in half, sticky-side together, and flushed down the toilet.)
  • Medication samples.
  • Medicated ointments.
  • Vitamins.
  • Pet medications.
  • Unused drug injection cartridges, e.g. unused EpiPens® and insulin pens (must be unused with needle still protected inside).
  • Unused inhaler canisters, e.g. Advair®, Spiriva®, ProAir® and Ventolin® (must be unused, no empty canisters or unneeded plastic holders/mouth pieces).

Items NOT Accepted for Drop Off :

  • Marijuana.
  • Illicit drugs (e.g. DEA Schedule I drugs like heroin, LSD, etc).
  • Needles, syringes, and other sharps.
  • Chemotherapy drugs.
  • Medical tools and supplies.
  • Bloody or infectious waste.
  • Personal care products.
  • Thermometers.
  • Empty containers.
  • Medication wastes generated by health care facilities, including nursing homes.

Looking to dispose of unused medications yourself?
Please view the regulations on proper disposal and search for a local authorized collector.