Drug Take-Back Program

Deaconess is now offering a drug take-back program for our patients, employees and the community.
 
These drug take-back receptacles are located in two Deaconess Family Pharmacy locations: 
       
The following types of medications are accepted for free take-back:
 

• unused or expired prescription medication
• unused or expired over-the-counter medications
• pet medications

Anyone who wishes to use this free service can bring unwanted medications and drop them into the receptacles at any time these locations are open.
 
Please note that the following items may not be placed in the boxes due to handling hazards:

• illegal drugs
• thermometers
• inhalers
• needles
• lotions or liquids
• aerosol cans
• hydrogen peroxide

If you have any questions about this service, please feel free to call the Deaconess Family Pharmacy at 812-450-DRUG.

FAQs

1. What is a drug take-back program?  This program provides consumers with a safe, convenient, and environmentally-friendly way to dispose of unused or expired medications.
2. Why did Deaconess decide to offer this service?  Deaconess wants to help reduce the potential for leftover or expired medications to be misused.  For example, unused medications have contributed to the opioid crisis we experience today, when some medications ended up in the wrong hands.  Children have also been harmed by consuming unused medications of all kinds.  Also, reducing the amount of medications that make their way into our environment is an example of Deaconess’ “green” efforts.
3. Who can use the drop boxes? Individual consumers—patients, employees, people in the community--may use the service.  Businesses may not deposit medications in the box.  
4. What kind of medications can people bring?  Any type of medication that isn’t being used… expired, don’t need anymore, etc. It can be over the counter or prescription medication; human and pet medications are accepted.
5. What kind of items should people NOT put in the box, and why?  Please do not deposit liquids, illicit drugs, needles/sharps, thermometers, lotions, aerosol cans, inhalers, or hydrogen peroxide in the bin.  These substances are prohibited, as they may leak or could puncture the shipment.
6. How should people dispose of the items that aren’t accepted?  Please consult your local waste program and ask about a “tox-away day” or other safe disposal program.
7. Do the medications I want to turn in need to be in any type of special container?  No.  The consumer may deposit loose pills or bring them in their original container.
8. Will people have to fill out any kinds of form, documentation, or pay in any way?  There are no forms to complete, and the service is free.
9. Do I need to scratch out my personal information on any bottles?  This is not necessary, but is acceptable. The service used by Deaconess will not use or collect personal information in accordance with patient privacy guidelines.
10. Can it be anyone’s medication, or only the person it’s prescribed to?  There are no restrictions on this. Example: “My family member has passed away and we found Fentanyl patches…can I put them in the bin?”  Yes.
11. Why should someone use this service, instead of just throwing away or flushing medications?  Disposing medications in the trash or sewer leads to those chemicals making their way back into the environment, affecting the water, air, and food we all consume. Wastewater processing plants aren’t equipped to remove all medications and chemicals from water, which means waterways are being contaminated; measurable amounts of medications are also finding their way into our drinking water, which is concerning.
12. Are there any medications that ARE safe to throw away or flush?  We recommend all medications be discarded using environmentally-safe methods to avoid confusion.
13. Where and when can people bring medications in for safe disposal?  The pharmacy locations are open Monday - Friday 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm.  Deaconess Family Pharmacy has two locations with boxes:  Midtown at 600 Mary Street, Evansville, and Gateway at 4209 Gateway Boulevard, inside Gateway Medical Office Building 2.
14. Where are these boxes located on each campus?  The boxes are located within the Deaconess Family Pharmacy locations.
15. Do people need to put these in the box themselves or can they hand them to the pharmacist? Items must be deposited directly by the individual.  Pharmacy staff cannot assist.
16. Are there any other drug take-back locations locally? Yes.  The Vanderburgh County Health Department publishes information about drug take-back programs.