Proper disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medication will protect the environment and ensure medication doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

Improperly discarded medications can pollute our water supply and affect fish and wildlife.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America reports that prescription and over-the-counter drugs have emerged as the “party” drugs of choice for many teens.

According to the Clark County Coroner’s Office there were 464 medication-related deaths in 2009. A recent survey† conducted of Clark County eighth graders revealed that 26.5 percent have been offered a prescription drug by another person and 12.8 percent took a prescription drug for the “experience” or “feeling” it caused.

Disposal Methods

You can now dispose of your expired medicines at a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Substation. Disposal is anonymous and drop-off boxes are located inside substations, providing a secure method for disposal.

Visit the Medicine Disposal Locations Map on the Pain in the Drain website for locations near you.

Follow these seven steps if you are unable to bring your medication to a substation for disposal.

1. Collect all expired or unused medications.
2. Dump all solid medications into a sealable plastic bag.
3. Add an absorbant product (kitty litter, coffee grounds, etc.).
4. Add liquid medications.
5. Seal or tape bag shut.
6. Place sealed bag in trash.

Sharps and Needle Disposal

• Republic Services: Sharps Needle Disposal and Mail Back Service
• Republic Services: Sharps & Needle Disposal
• Safe Needle Disposal

†The Survey was conducted by the University of Southern Nevada Drug Abuse Awareness Team during the 2008-2009 academic school year.