Missouri Safe Disposal Efforts with Spring 2025 Awareness Campaign

Timed ahead of DEA Take-Back Day on April 26, the campaign builds on national momentum while addressing a critical gap: the DEA’s event does not accept sharps.

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Missourians are being called to clean out their medicine cabinets and protect their communities as the Spring 2025 Safe Disposal Campaign launches. Led by the Missouri Product Stewardship Council (MO PSC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources, District O Solid Waste Management District, the Missouri Poison Center, and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), the campaign provides safe, convenient options for residents to dispose of unwanted medications and medical sharps.

Timed ahead of DEA Take-Back Day on April 26, the campaign builds on national momentum while addressing a critical gap: the DEA’s event does not accept sharps. Missouri’s campaign helps close that gap by highlighting year-round disposal solutions for both medications and sharps across the state.

Improper disposal of these items poses serious risks. Medications flushed or tossed in the trash can contaminate drinking water and harm ecosystems, while discarded sharps put sanitation workers and the public at risk.

As part of Missouri’s effort to expand access, the Fall 2024 pilot of a medicine mail-back envelope program gave residents a new, free option for safe disposal. In partnership with MO PSC, District O, and PSI, 15 pharmacies and public health organizations distributed pre-paid envelopes in Springfield, Dexter, Malden, Cameron, Washington, and Missouri’s Green Hills Region—offering a secure and anonymous solution especially valuable for rural and homebound individuals.

“We are excited to continue and expand our campaign to provide Missouri residents with safe, medication disposal options,” said Angie Snyder, Solid Waste Management District O Executive Director and MO PSC Chair. “This year, we are piloting a medicine mail-back program to increase access for rural and home-bound residents, offering an alternative to kiosks and in-home disposal pouches. The MO PSC has worked hard for three years now to harmonize messaging about safe disposal throughout the state and to expand opportunities for residents to rid their homes of unwanted medication. Not only does this keep our friends and families safe, but it also protects our environment.”

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com

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