Medication Take-Back Program

The Pagosa Springs Medical Center participates in the Colorado Household Medication Take-Back Program for disposal of unwanted medications. PSMC’s medication collection box is located inside PSMC’s main entrance; look for the large green box near the main lobby. The hours of operation for PSMC’s medication collection box are Monday through Thursday, 8am-4pm and Friday from 8am-Noon. PSMC’s collection box does not accept medication outside of the posted hours of operation. PSMC employees are prohibited from personally receiving/holding medications for disposal as medications may only be disposed of directly to the collection box.

This is a State program and continuance depends on its proper use. The following rules apply to the Colorado Medication Take-Back Program:
DISPOSAL: Medications may be deposited in their original containers (remove or strike out personal information). Alternatively, pills/capsules may be placed into a zip-lock bag for disposal into the collection box (and then separately trash/recycle the original container).

• • ITEMS THAT CAN BE ACCEPTED:
    Prescription medications, including prescribed controlled substances (DEA Schedule II-V);
    over-the-counter medications;
    liquid medications (small amounts in original, non-leaking containers);
    medication samples;
    medicated ointments;
    vitamins;
    pet medications;
    unused drug injection cartridges – for example, unused EpiPens and insulin pens (they must be unused with needle still protected inside);
    unused inhaler canisters – for example, Advair, ProAir and Ventolin (they must be unused, no empty canisters or unneeded plastic holders/mouthpieces);
    unused medicated patches (as noted below in items that cannot be accepted, any used Fentanyl and Duragesic patches cannot be accepted as they are extremely hazardous; instead, the Colorado Medication Take-Back Program advises that such used patches should be folded in half, sticky-side together, and flushed down the toilet).

• • ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE ACCEPTED:
    Marijuana;
    Illegal drugs (e.g. DEA Schedule I drugs such as heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, Quaaludes, Bath Salts with MDPV, etc.);
    Needles, syringes, or other sharps;
    Chemotherapy drugs;
    Medical tools and supplies;
    Bloody or infectious waste;
    Personal care products;
    Thermometers;
    Empty containers;
    Medication wastes generated by healthcare facilities, including nursing homes;
    Used drug injection cartridges;
    Used drug inhaler canisters;
    Used Fentanyl and Duragesic patches as they are extremely hazardous (instead, the Colorado Medication Take-Back Program advises that such used patches should be folded in half, sticky side together and flushed down the toilet).