Safe Medication Disposal
Eleven Utahns die each week from drug overdose, more than eight of which were a result of opioids. In 2022 alone, there were 606 overdose deaths in Utah. Opioid overdose is a preventable cause of death, and safe medication disposal is one way we can all contribute to reducing those numbers.
Learn about how safe medication disposal can reduce the risk of overdose, misuse, addiction, and environmental harm in your home and community.
State Statistics
In 2023, there were 606 overdose deaths in Utah. To learn more about overdose statistics and rates in Utah visit:
https://dhhs.utah.gov/featured-news/10-years-of-data-show-drug-overdoses-remain-a-significant-health-threat-in-utah/
https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/indicator/view/PoiDth.Opi.html
Environmental Impact
Improper medication disposal can have damaging effects on the environment, such as:
- Contamination of the drinking water supply.
- Impacts on human health.
- Impacts on aquatic organisms
- For more information, visit http://disposemymeds.org/environmental-impact/.
Use Only As Directed
Take Meds Seriously is a great resource that discusses opioid safety and proper medication disposal.
Understand your role in reducing prescription misuse and overdose. Learn more at Know Your Script.
Learn how to Remove the Risk, through this short video by the FDA.
Sharps Disposal and Syringe Exchange
Safe needle and sharps disposal is an important element in safe medication disposal. Safely disposing of sharps reduces the risk of injury and illness.
SafeNeedleDisposal.org
State-specific information about how to properly dispose of your sharps and Utah disposal locations.
Utah Harm Reduction Coalition
Tooele County Syringe Exchange
Utah Syringe Exchange
Utah Syringe Exchange Network Resources
Unused and Expired Medication Disposal in Tooele County
DEA Drug Take Back Day happens across the country, twice a year. Visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday for dates and locations. If you have expired or unused medications that should be disposed of between Take Back Days, safe drug drop boxes are located throughout Tooele County.
The FDA's Unused Medicines website is a great resource for safe medication disposal information, including guidelines for how to dispose of specific drugs (flush, trash, drop off).
