A prescription for a healthier, safer Colorado: Colorado’s Medication Takeback Program

A prescription for a healthier, safer Colorado: Colorado’s Medication Takeback Program


Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Help empower your patients to better protect their families and environment!

As dedicated health care professionals, you understand the importance of safe medication storage. However, did you know that your guidance can make a significant impact on your patients’ families and the environment? Encourage them to participate in Colorado’s Medication Takeback Program – a vital step towards a safer and healthier Colorado.

Why encourage medication disposal?

By recommending the Colorado Medication Takeback Program to your patients, you help:

  • Ensure patient safety: Prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, or theft of unused medications, ultimately protecting your patients and their families.
  • Safeguard the environment: Discourage improper disposal methods such as flushing or tossing meds in the trash. Safe disposal of old and expired meds reduces contamination of our water supply and ecosystems.

Guiding your patients on how to participate is straightforward. Share these three simple steps:

  • Education: Explain the importance of proper medication disposal and the benefits of using the Medication Takeback Program. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance their safety and protect the environment.
  • Collection process: Encourage them to collect all their unused or expired medications, reminding them to remove personal information from prescription bottles or packaging. They can then place medications in a sealable bag or container to prevent leakage or spills.
  • Locate a drop-off point: Direct them to find the nearest dropbox at TakeMedsSeriously.org/safe-disposal. When they arrive they can place their sealed bag or container with medications inside. Some dropboxes may have specific instructions or signage, so they should follow any guidelines provided.
Featured in the Q1 2024 Colorado Medicine

Frequently asked questions

What can be dropped off?

Patients can utilize Colorado’s Medication Takeback Program to dispose of:

  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Prescription medications (Including opioids and other controlled substances)
  • Prescription patches
  • Prescription creams and ointments
  • Unused medication inhalers (if empty)

What shouldn’t be disposed of?

  • Trash
  • Sharps or syringes
  • Thermometers
  • Chemotherapy medication
  • Illicit substances (including marijuana)

As health care providers, you are instrumental in ensuring your patients’ health and wellbeing. By promoting Colorado’s Medication Takeback Program, you can empower your patients to make safer and more responsible choices, leading to a healthier and greener Colorado. Let’s work together to protect our communities and the environment.


Colorado Medication Takeback Program | TakeMedsSeriously.org/safe-disposal