This fall, Missourians are once again being urged to protect their families, communities, and environment by safely disposing of unused medications and medical sharps. The Fall 2025 Safe Disposal Campaign鈥攍ed by the Missouri Product Stewardship Council (MO PSC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources, District O Solid Waste Management District, the Missouri Poison Center, and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI)鈥攑rovides safe, convenient options for residents across the state.
Timed to build momentum around DEA Take-Back Day on October 25, the campaign highlights year-round disposal options and fills a critical gap. Missouri鈥檚 campaign ensures residents know how to safely dispose of both medications and sharps every day of the year.
The dangers of improper disposal are real. Tossed or flushed medications can contaminate drinking water and threaten wildlife, while sharps discarded in the trash put sanitation workers, children, and others at risk of painful and potentially dangerous needle sticks.
This fall鈥檚 campaign expands on lessons learned from the successful 2024 pilot of a medicine mail-back envelope program, which provided residents鈥攅specially those in rural and homebound communities鈥攚ith a free, anonymous, and convenient way to dispose of unwanted medicine. Building on that success, partners continue to explore ways to increase access to safe disposal statewide.
鈥淥ur goal is simple: give every Missourian a safe and convenient way to get rid of unwanted medications and sharps,鈥� said Angie Snyder, Solid Waste Management District O Executive Director and MO PSC Chair. 鈥淲e鈥檝e worked tirelessly to harmonize safe disposal messaging across Missouri so that no matter where you live, you know where to turn. Protecting our families and our environment goes hand in hand鈥攁nd this campaign makes it easier than ever.鈥�