WHAT IS SAFE MEDICINE DISPOSAL FOR ME?

Safe Medicine Disposal for ME is an easy, anonymous way for Maine residents to safely and properly get rid of unused or expired medicine. This program began as a disposal option for older adults and caregivers and has since expanded to include all age groups.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. Postage-paid medicine disposal kits are distributed to participating pharmacies and other locations throughout Maine.

2. Pharmacists and site contacts then give the kits, including a postage-paid envelope, instruction packet, and survey to interested individuals.

3. Participants follow the enclosed instructions to place unused medicine in the envelope. They also complete the survey and place it in the envelope.

4. Envelopes are returned by mail to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the medicine is safely destroyed.

5. Information will be collected to help us understand the types of medicine that is piling up in Maine homes and why it is not being used. This will help guide prescribing practices and medicine disposal options.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

By safely disposing of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine, people can:

Minimize accidental overdoses and poisonings of:

• Older Adults
• Children
• Teenagers
• Pets

Limit illegal diversion of prescription medicine and prescription medicine-related thefts and crimes

Decrease opportunities for prescription medicine abuse

Prevent environmental exposure of discarded prescription medicine to help:

• Protect Maine’s water
• Protect Maine’s wildlife

Help reduce waste in the healthcare system

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

• Nothing! It is FREE to participate. The program is funded through a Fund for Healthy Maine allocation to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

• Safe Medicine Disposal for ME has already paid for the envelopes and postage through grant funds.

• Just follow the instructions included with your envelope and the envelopes are ready to go!

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRAM BENEFITS AND MEDICINE DISPOSAL OPTIONS

View a copy of the Consumer Fact Sheet

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

• View the Safe Medicine Disposal for ME Program Brochure

• View Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• Call the Safe Medicine Disposal for ME Program Helpline at: 1-866-637-9743

• Or e-mail info@safemeddisposal.com