The proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances such as opioids, may help to prevent serious risk of nonmedical use or overdose. In June 2023, the National Academies Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation hosted a hybrid public workshop to examine the scientific merit and practical implementation of drug disposal options to remove opioid analgesics from the home. Workshop participants considered potential strategies for encouraging and assessing the development and efficacy of in-home drug disposal systems that support the public health goal of mitigating the risk of nonmedical use or overdose associated with opioids.

The proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances such as opioids, may help to prevent serious risk of nonmedical use or overdose. In June 2023, the National Academies Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation hosted a hybrid public workshop to examine the scientific merit and practical implementation of drug disposal options to remove opioid analgesics from the home. Workshop participants considered potential strategies for encouraging and assessing the development and efficacy of in-home drug disposal systems that support the public health goal of mitigating the risk of nonmedical use or overdose associated with opioids.