Walgreen completes drug disposal kiosk installation

Business Wire

DEERFIELD - Walgreens has reached its goal of installing more than 500 safe medication disposal kiosks this year at its pharmacies in 35 states and Washington D.C.

The program, first announced in February, is the first ongoing national effort of its kind by a retailer to combat drug abuse and will expand to two additional states, Nevada and Maryland, by early November.

Since the installation began earlier this year, more than 10 tons of medication have been collected and safely disposed. The kiosks provide a year-round, safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications at no cost.

Safe medication disposal kiosks are available during regular pharmacy hours - 24 hours a day at most kiosk locations - and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.

In addition to offering a year-round solution for individuals to dispose of their medications, Walgreens continues to participate in DEA sponsored National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, serving as a collection point in communities for law enforcement to collect unwanted, unused or expired medications for safe disposal. The next DEA sponsored National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on Oct. 22.

Walgreens has also made naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without requiring a prescription in more than 3,800 pharmacies in 20 states in accordance with state pharmacy regulations. Next week, Walgreens will begin offering naloxone without a prescription at pharmacies in Colorado, Oregon and Utah and will continue to make the medication more accessible and easier to obtain in states where regulations allow.

"Walgreens has taken an important first step to reduce the misuse of medications throughout the country and curb the rise of overdose deaths," said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. "We are committed to being part of a comprehensive solution to reverse this epidemic and will continue our effort to make naloxone more accessible and easier to obtain."