How should expired medications be disposed of in New Mexico?

The proper disposal of expired medications in New Mexico is governed by regulations established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These regulations ensure that controlled substances are disposed of safely and legally, minimizing potential risks to public health and the environment.

According to DEA guidelines, expired medications, especially controlled substances, must be disposed of in a way that prevents diversion, abuse, and accidental exposure. This may involve returning them to a pharmacy that participates in a drug take-back program or following specific procedures set by the DEA for secure disposal.

While following the manufacturer's instructions or returning medications to a pharmacy can be effective disposal methods, they may not cover all scenarios, particularly for certain types of medications. Disposing of medications in regular trash is not advised, as it can lead to environmental contamination or accidental ingestion. Therefore, adherence to DEA regulations is the established protocol for safely disposing of expired medications in New Mexico.