by Kathryn Kane-Neilsonpublished

Drug Decomposition/Deactivation Products: Compliance, Safety, & Cost Issues

Although several drug deactivation products are marketed for pharmaceutical waste disposal in home and clinical settings, none have been reviewed or approved by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Disposing of drugs in the trash (even after treatment with a drug decomposition product) may violate state and/or local regulations. Federal guidelines from the DEA, EPA, and FDA for consumer disposal of household medicines recommend take-back programs as the best disposal option.
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by Kathryn Kane-Neilsonpublished

DUMP Opioids Act Will Increase Community Options for Safe Opioid Disposal

On July 29, 2021, President Biden signed the Dispose Unused Medications and Prescription (DUMP) Opioids Act into law. Beginning in 2022, it will give community residents access to medication disposal collection receptacles, including Sharps Compliance’s MedSafe kiosks, located at certain VA medical centers. Instead of waiting for semi-annual Drug Take Back Day events,  this additional disposal option will help unused/unwanted opioids and other harmful medications from being misused or diverted into the environment.

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by Wanda Voigt, RN, BSNpublished

Disposal of Controlled and Non-Controlled Medications in Long-Term Care Communities

Last updated on June 14, 2021

This is an update of the article originally published on October 9, 2014. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.

On September 9, 2014, the Drug Enforcement Agency published the Disposal of Controlled Substances Final Rule, which went into effect on October 9, 2014. This new rule allowed registered collectors to place DEA-compliant drug collection receptacles in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) for the collection and disposal of ultimate-user controlled substances (Schedules II-V).

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by Wanda Voigt, RN, BSNpublished

Cost-Effective Medication Disposal in Long-Term Care

This is an update of the article originally published on November 3, 2015. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.

Nurses practicing in senior care have very busy work schedules. From caring for residents to distributing medications and updating records, their days can become overwhelming. One of the most important tasks is the disposal of unused medication.

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