Vermont’s Prescription Drug Disposal System – The Department of Health has set up numerous free drop-off sites and a free mail-back program for unwanted opioids or other prescription drugs.

Find a collection location or request a mail-back envelope.

The Drug Enforcement Association (DEA) sponsors a free national Drug Take-Back day. For additional information, and to find a location near you, visit. https://takebackday.dea.gov

VT Dept. of Health information on year-round prescription drug disposal https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/services/prescription-drug-disposal

  • Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants (PPCPs) refers, in general, to any product used by individuals for personal health or cosmetic reasons or used by agribusiness to enhance growth or health of livestock. PPCPs comprise a diverse collection of thousands of chemical substances, including prescription and over-the-counter therapeutic drugs, veterinary drugs, fragrances, and cosmetics. Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals are present in our nation’s water bodies. Further research suggests that certain drugs may cause ecological harm. The EPA is investigating this topic and developing strategies to help protect the health of both the environment and the public. PPCPs have probably been present in water and the environment for as long as humans have been using them. The drugs that we take are not entirely absorbed by our bodies, and are excreted and passed into wastewater and surface water. With advances in technology that improved the ability to detect and quantify these chemicals, we can now begin to identify what effects, if any, these chemicals have on human and environmental health. In most cases, unwanted prescription medication should be placed in the trash. There are three exceptions:
  •  Chemotherapy drugs – return to pharmacy or cancer clinic. Anti-neoplastic medicine – return to pharmacy or cancer clinic.

NOTE: Please do not flush unwanted medication down the drain. It may disrupt your septic system or the water treatment facility. New guidelines are now available. 

Disposal locations in Rutland County:

Facility Address/Phone # Hours Materials Accepted
Rutland Pharmacy 75 Allen St., Rutland
802-775-2545		 Mon-Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am – 7pm		 Pills, Patches
Castleton Police Department 273 VT Rt 30 N, Castleton
802-468-5012		 Mon-Fri: 6am – 4pm Pills, Patches –
Call ahead for appointment: liquids, sharps
Fair Haven Police Department 3 North Park Pl., Fair Haven
802-265-4531		 Mon-Fri: 9am – 2pm Pills, Patches
Rutland County Sheriff’s Office 88 Grove St., Rutland
802-775-8002		 Mon-Sat: 6am – midnight
Sun: 6am – 8pm		 Pills, Patches, Liquids, Aerosols, Sharps
Rutland Regional Medical Center 160 Allen St., Rutland
802-747-1777		 Mon-Fri: 7am – 5pm Pills, Patches, Liquids up to 4 oz.
Brandon Police Department 301 Forest Dale Rd., Brandon
802-247-0222		 24 Hours/7 Days Pills, Patches