Helping older adults dispose of prescription drugs

A new service aims to help older adults safely dispose of expired prescription drugs.

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and other partners are helping to supply 100,000 Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal Pouches to service providers for distribution to older adults throughout the state.

Deterra Pouches are designed to destroy unwanted or expired medications safely and permanently, making them unavailable for misuse and accidental ingestion. Once activated, the pouches can be disposed of in the normal trash.