Walgreens drug disposal program collects 1.2 million pounds

DEERFIELD - Walgreens' safe medication disposal program has collected and safely disposed of more than 1.2 million pounds of unwanted prescriptions, including controlled substances and other medications, during the program's three-year duration, the company said Wednesday.

"This is a true testament to how our customers and patients have responded to the need for convenient access to medication disposal options in their community," said Rick Gates, Walgreens senior vice president of pharmacy and health care.

The national drugstore chain has more than 1,300 safe medication disposal kiosks available in 46 states and Washington, D.C. The kiosks collect unwanted prescriptions, including controlled substances and over-the-counter medications year-round at no cost to customers. Walgreens continues to work with health care organizations AmerisourceBergen, Pfizer and Prime Therapeutics to expand its safe medication disposal kiosks across the country.

As part of its continuing effort to combat drug abuse, Walgreens will again participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 27, where select Walgreens stores throughout the country will serve as a collection point for law enforcement to collect unwanted, unused or expired medications for safe disposal.

By the end of 2019, all Walgreens pharmacies that do not offer a safe medication disposal kiosk will offer a take home safe medication disposal kit available upon patient request at the pharmacy counter.