Walgreens medication disposal program collects 72 tons in first year

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens’ efforts to provide a space to dispose of unwanted medication had a big first year. The retailer on Wednesday announced that in its first year, its medication disposal program, which saw it install safe disposal kiosks in 600 pharmacies across 45 states, brought in 72 tons of medication — the weight equivalent of roughly 40 midsize cars.

The kiosks, which can be accessed during regular pharmacy hours to dispose of prescription and OTC medication that has expired, gone unused or isn’t wanted, are part of the company’s broader efforts to help combat the rising numbers of overdose-related deaths in the United States.

This year, Walgreens will again participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 29. Stores across the country — both with and without the year-round disposal kiosks — will serve as a collection point for law enforcement to collect medications to be disposed of safely.

In addition to making the kiosks available, Walgreens also has made opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone available without a prescription at more than 7,600 of its pharmacies in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Walgreens said it was able and eager to work with regulators in the remaining states to allow prescription-free naloxone dispensing.

“Since we launched this program last year, we have been truly encouraged by how our patients have embraced the opportunities to safely dispose of their medications. Simply put, this epidemic is one of the most serious issues facing our country today, and this program is making a difference in helping fight against prescription drug abuse,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations.