Developed Under a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Contract
Deterra’s Drug Deactivation Technology Destroys Drugs for Good
The patented Deterra® Drug Deactivation and Disposal System was developed under two Small Business Innovation Research contracts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Titled “In-home Deactivation System for Psychoactive Drugs,” the award information may be found here:
During development, the proprietary activated carbon that powers the Deterra System was rigorously tested by independent, third-party researchers at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy. Testing shows Deterra’s activated carbon is highly effective at firmly binding to the active ingredients in prescription and over the counter medications, rendering them inert, unavailable for misuse and safe for disposal in the normal trash.
Deterra Deactivates Prescription and over-the-counter medications
The Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal System will deactivate organic medications including opioids, fentanyl, most illicit drugs and vape fluid.
However, Deterra will not adsorb biologics, such as vaccines and immunotherapeutics which are typically administered in a healthcare setting. Additionally, inorganic medications—such as antacids, lithium, and iron supplements—will not be adsorbed. Deterra will not deactivate leaf marijuana.
It is impossible to know all forms and potency of illicit drugs. Follow state and local guidelines on safe medication disposal where applicable.
If your medication has specific disposal instructions, please follow the directions as given. Consult authorities or your pharmacist for more specific questions.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH STUDIES
Created by Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc., Deterra System’s proprietary activated carbon technology has been independently lab-tested and proven to permanently and irreversibly deactivate unwanted medications, including over-the-counter medications and dangerous narcotics like opioids and benzodiazepines. Click on a study and select ‘Read Now’ to view a full report.
deterra Publications
Additional research conducted with Deterra Drug Disposal System is available below.
NIDA Study: In-Home Deactivation System for Psychoactive Drugs
NIDA Study: In-Home Deactivation System for Psychoactive Drugs
Deterra® System Deactivation of Unused Drugs: Comparison Between Deterra Ingredients and Others Recommended in Federal and SmartRx Disposal Guidelines
Deterra® System Deactivation of Unused Drugs: Comparison Between Deterra Ingredients and Others Recommended in Federal and SmartRx Disposal Guidelines
Deterra with TCLP Extraction Solution
Deterra with TCLP Extraction Solution
Waste Extraction Testing
Waste Extraction Testing
RESEARCHED AND REVIEWED BY:
Peer-reviewed publications
Nature (2020)
Nature (2020)
Research published in Nature shows that Deterra reached more than 99% deactivation of all drugs by the end of a 28-day period.
Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy (2018)
Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy (2018)
A study published in Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy found an average of 98.72% of medications were adsorbed by activated carbon within 8 hours and continued to do so over time. At the end of the 28-day study, more than 99.99% of all drugs were deactivated.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis (2018)
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis (2018)
Research published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis examined the deactivation efficiency of the Deterra System and found more than 99% drug deactivation achieved after 24 hours.
Pharmaceutics (2016)
Pharmaceutics (2016)
A study published in Pharmaceutics tested the deactivation efficiency of Deterra System with three model psychoactive drugs. By the end of 28 days, over 99% of all drugs were deactivated.
Pharmaceutical Research (2016)
Pharmaceutical Research (2016)
A study published in Pharmaceutical Research found that deactivation systems containing activated carbon are promising for efficient, safe and environment friendly disposal of unused and expired medications.
RESEARCHED AND REVIEWED BY:
Peer-Reviewed American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Posters
Evaluation of an Activated Carbon-based Drug Disposal System for Deactivation of Psychoactive Medications
Evaluation of an Activated Carbon-based Drug Disposal System for Deactivation of Psychoactive Medications
Researchers found that activated carbon rapidly deactivated ketamine, quetiapine, tramadol and zolpidem.
Deactivation of Psychoactive Drugs Using an Activated Carbon-based Drug Disposal System
Deactivation of Psychoactive Drugs Using an Activated Carbon-based Drug Disposal System
This study demonstrated Deterra successfully deactivated alprazolam, dextroamphetamine, lorazepam and temazepam.
Activated Carbon-based Disposal of Fentanyl Transdermal Patches
Activated Carbon-based Disposal of Fentanyl Transdermal Patches
Researchers found the Deterra Pouch successfully deactivated fentanyl and did not release the adsorbed drug upon attempts at extraction.
Development and Validation of a Reverse Phase-HPLC Method for Methylphenidate and its Disposal using Activated Charcoal-based System
Development and Validation of a Reverse Phase-HPLC Method for Methylphenidate and its Disposal using Activated Charcoal-based System
Researchers tested the efficiency of the Deterra Drug Deactivation System and found it successfully deactivated methylphenidate.
Activated Carbon-based Disposal of Model Psychoactive Medications
Activated Carbon-based Disposal of Model Psychoactive Medications
Researchers examined Deterra’s ability to deactivate buprenorphine, diazepam, fluoxetine, morphine and oxycodone. They concluded Deterra successfully deactivated adsorbed these medications and the drugs could not be extracted from the carbon.
Comparison of Adsorbents for Development of Disposal Kits for Solid Oral Dosage Forms
Comparison of Adsorbents for Development of Disposal Kits for Solid Oral Dosage Forms
This study demonstrated activated carbon to be significantly more effective in deactivating amoxicillin and dexamethasone as compared to cat litter or coffee grounds.
Development of a Disposal System for Deactivation of Transdermal Patches of Fentanyl
Development of a Disposal System for Deactivation of Transdermal Patches of Fentanyl
Researchers found activated carbon was effective in deactivating more than 90% of the fentanyl content of transdermal patches.
It’s Not Destroyed if It’s Not Deterra
- Our technology is protected by 7 U.S. patents and 19 international patents and cannot be replicated by others.
- Developed under a federal contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Deterra has been independently tested and proven to deactivate drugs.
- We don’t just mask medications in a gel or liquid; our patented approach completely destroys pills, patches, liquids, creams and films.
- Deterra is the only carbon-based product that contains sufficient activated carbon to deactivate the amount of medication per label claims.
1
1 billion medications deactivated so far
7
U.S. patents, 19 international patents and other patents pending
50
available in all 50 states and internationally
Deterra
Dispose RX
NarcX
RX Destroyer
Drug Buster
¹ When used as directed according to label instructions.
2 Future environmental contamination based on the likelihood of extractable active medications still available when used according to the label instructions.
3 Deterra Pouches are USDA Certified, 50% or more bio-based and have received the I’m GreenTM certification. Compared to Deterra, competitor products contain an increased percentage of plastic when disposed.
"Ending the opioid crisis requires a collective effort to get evidence-based prevention methods into the hands of those who need them most. Increasing access to at-home drug deactivation and disposal resources is key to preventing unused medications from becoming sources of misuse or environmental harm.”
Jason Sundby
Deterra is Endorsed by CADCA & the DEA Educational Foundation
Deterra System is endorsed by the DEA Educational Foundation and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) for unused drug deactivation and disposal. Deterra is the only product that either organization has ever endorsed. Both organizations cite Deterra’s strong scientific backing and proven effectiveness as reasons why Deterra products are trusted over other products on the market.
DESTROY DRUGS – NOT THE ENVIRONMENT
Improper disposal of unused and expired medications damages our environment. Deterra System is environmentally sound through the entire product life cycle. Deterra’s innovative plant-based pouch is produced using 100% wind-generated power and it contains non-toxic ingredients. Made from environmentally sound materials, Deterra is safer for the environment because our proprietary, organic activated carbon prevents harmful medications from contaminating landfills and water systems.¹ Additionally, Deterra Pouches contain a smaller percentage of plastic when disposed of than competitor products.²
¹ Based on the likelihood of extractable active medications available when used according to label instructions.
² Compared to Deterra products, competitor products contain a higher percentage of plastic when disposed of: DisposeRx® 59%; NarcX® 78%; Rx Destroyer™ 68%; Drug Buster® 67%