The Take Back program was launched in December 2009. North Dakota now offers two free programs for residents to dispose of unwanted medications – the Take Back program at participating law enforcement agencies, and the MedSafe (formerly Yellow Jug) program at participating pharmacies.
These programs give residents easy and convenient ways to dispose of unused and unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medicines, thereby helping to protect our state’s environment and keeping these drugs off the streets.
- North Dakota is the only state in the nation operating free, year-round, state-wide prescription drug disposal programs at local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies.
- To date, than 12.3 TONS (24,665 pounds) of unwanted and unused medications has been collected from the Take Back containers at local law enforcement agencies, and another 7 TONS collected through the MedSafe program at participating pharmacies.
Find your nearest Take Back or MedSafe location.
What is accepted
Unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications*, including:
- Pills, tablets, caplets (please remove product from the packaging);
- Inhalers, nebulizer solutions, liquids and creams (leave IN the original container)
- Controlled substances
- Pain relief such as Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Demerol, OxyContin, fentanyl, etc.;
- Anti-depressants, like Valium, Zoloft, Prozac, etc.;
- Sleep aids, such as Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, etc.
* The Take Back program (in law enforcement agencies) accepts both prescription and over the counter medications. The MedSafe program (in local pharmacies) does not accept over the counter medications.
Not accepted
- Sharps (syringes, lancets), thermometers, glass, home based care (HBC) or durable medical equipment (DME) supplies, and pharmacy inventory. Ask your pharmacist where to safely dispose of these items.
Hold a Take Back special event
If you are interested in holding a Take Back event in your community, contact your local Chief of Police or County Sheriff. The local law enforcement agency will coordinate with the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal law to secure, log, and destroy the collected drugs.
Prevention and Awareness
Opioids: Fill with Care
For resources and materials, visit Opioids | Health and Human Services North Dakota
Online Pharmacy Safety
Purchasing products online has become more popular than ever in recent years. However, when it comes to prescription medications, don’t take chances with your health. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the majority of websites selling prescription medications are not real pharmacy sites, and the medications they sell are likely to be adulterated or even counterfeit. Before bying online, check the NABP Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) to find a safe online pharmacy.