Safe Disposal of Controlled Substances
DEA Take-Back October 2023
The DEA has announced they will be conducting a “modified” DEA take-back from October 23rd through the 27th, 2023, where they will be collecting from a limited number of BNE licensed 3A facilities. Not all 3A facilities will be able to participate.
There is a 2-step process you must follow:
- If you are interested in participating, please email bnedestruction@health.ny.gov with your 3A license number, facility name, facility address, and state that you would like to participate. This must be sent to us by September 15th.
- You will receive an email advising if you are selected to participate or not. If you are approved, you will receive further instructions at that time.
DO NOT SUBMIT DOH-2340 OR DOH-166 FORMS UNTIL WE HAVE ADVISED YOU TO DO SO!
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day occurs twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Long term healthcare facilities who are licensed as Class 3A Institutional Dispensers Limited may take part in the Take Back. Please monitor this page for all updates and instructions regarding the next Take Back event.
- Drug Disposal Information (usdoj.gov)
Licensed 3A facilities are encouraged to participate in the new NYS Drug Take Back program by having a DEA approved medication drop box installed at their facility. Additional information can be found at: Drug Take Back
Safe Disposal of Unused Controlled Substances by Consumers
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has revised its regulations to expand the options available to collect controlled substances from ultimate users for purpose of disposal, including: take-back events, mail-back programs and collection receptacle locations.
Recent New York State (NYS) legislation, Chapter 379 of the Laws of 2015 (S.3687/A.6062), removed the requirement that the Commissioner of Health must designate pharmacies as disposal sites and added that disposal shall be operated by law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, "and other Federal Drug Enforcement Administration authorized collectors." This legislation also removed the requirement that the Commissioner of Health make regulations in consultation with the Commissioner of Education to allow for entities to participate in expanded activities under federal rule.
Accordingly, the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement authorizes all activities allowed under the federal DEA's Disposal of Controlled Substances Final Rule. Manufacturers, distributors, reverse distributors, narcotic treatment programs, hospitals/clinics with and on-site pharmacy and retail pharmacies may apply directly to the DEA for registration as a "Collector". For more information, click on the following links:
- Drug Disposal Information (usdoj.gov)
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day occurs twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Long term healthcare facilities who are licensed as Class 3A Institutional Dispensers Limited may take part in the Take Back. Please monitor this page for all updates and instructions regarding the next Take Back event.
- BNE Licensed Class 3A Residential Health Care Facility Disposal/Destruction Guidance and Drop Box Requests (PDF)
- Reverse Distributor List (Surrender to Independent Companies)
- Request for Approval of Disposal/Destruction of Controlled Substances (Important Note: Class 3A facilities only. DEA Registrants must see Reverse Distributor List or DEA Website)
