The Law: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are a significant environmental concern. Most drugs are not entirely absorbed by our bodies; they are excreted and passed into wastewater. Because water treatment plants and septic systems are not designed to remove these chemicals, they can end up in our rivers and lakes, potentially harming aquatic life and the environment.

Important: Never flush unwanted medications down the drain or toilet.

💊 Vermont’s Prescription Drug Disposal System

Vermont provides free, anonymous ways to dispose of unwanted opioids, over-the-counter meds, and other prescription drugs to keep them out of the wrong hands and our waterways.

A. Free Mail-Back Program The Vermont Department of Health offers free, pre-paid mail-back envelopes. This is the simplest way to dispose of medications anonymously from your home.

  • How to Order: Visit HealthVermont.gov/RxMailBack to request a free envelope.

  • How to Use: Place medications (up to 8 ounces) into the envelope and mail it via USPS.

B. Permanent Drop-Off Kiosks (Rutland County Locations) You can drop off pills and patches year-round at these participating local facilities. Please scratch out or remove personal information from labels before drop-off.

  • Rutland Pharmacy: 75 Allen St., Rutland | (802) 775-2545. Accepts pills and patches. Open Mon-Fri 8am-9pm and Sat-Sun 9am-7pm.

  • Castleton Police Department: 273 VT Rt 30 N, Castleton | (802) 468-5012. Accepts pills and patches. Open Mon-Fri 6am-4pm. Please call ahead for an appointment regarding liquids or sharps.

  • Fair Haven Police Department: 3 North Park Pl., Fair Haven | (802) 265-4531. Accepts pills and patches. Open Mon-Fri 9am-2pm.

  • Rutland County Sheriff’s Office: 88 Grove St., Rutland | (802) 775-8002. Accepts pills, patches, liquids, aerosols, and sharps. Open Mon-Sat 6am-midnight and Sun 6am-8pm.

  • Rutland Regional Medical Center: 160 Allen St., Rutland | (802) 747-1777. Accepts pills, patches, and liquids up to 4 oz. Open Mon-Fri 7am-5pm.

  • Brandon Police Department: 301 Forest Dale Rd., Brandon | (802) 247-0222. Accepts pills and patches. Open 24 hours/7 days a week.

📅 DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days

Twice a year—typically in April and October—the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors a National Take-Back Day. This program provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous means of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the public about the potential for abuse.

Temporary collection sites are set up at law enforcement agencies and community centers nationwide. In the weeks leading up to April and October, you can find a local event site by visiting takebackday.dea.gov.

🚨 Critical Exceptions

  • Chemotherapy / Anti-neoplastic Drugs: These are highly toxic and should be returned directly to the pharmacy or cancer clinic that dispensed them.

  • Illicit Drugs: These kiosks and Take-Back events are for legal medications only.

  • Trash as a Last Resort: If a kiosk is unavailable, mix meds with coffee grounds or kitty litter in a sealed bag and place them in the trash. Never do this with chemotherapy drugs.