Here’s how you can get in-home medication disposal kits in Jefferson County now

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Addiction Prevention Coalition (APC) has been a leader in addiction prevention in Birmingham for more than a decade. Now, they’re teaming up with DisposeRX for a new initiative to expand opioid education and provide free in-home medication disposal kits to nearly every Jefferson County household. 

Read on for everything you need to know and when you can expect your kit. 

Why does it matter how I get rid of my prescriptions? 

I recently opened my medicine cabinet to find many unused and expired medications. Why so many? The truth: I didn’t know how to dispose of them safely. And no, you shouldn’t just throw them in the trash or flush them down the drain.

The good news is APC’s collaboration with DisposeRX offers a simple and effective solution, made possible by a new grant opportunity through Jefferson County Opioid Settlement funds.

The program aims to combat the opioid crisis in Jefferson County by:

• Increasing awareness
• Promoting safe medication disposal practices
• Reducing the risks associated with unused prescription drugs like opioids + other medications that can be misused

Through APC’s partnership with DisposeRX, they will distribute in-home drug disposal kits through the mail.

Nearly every Jefferson County household will receive a kit within the next few months. Some ZIP codes have already started receiving theirs.

“Addiction Prevention Coalition is committed to providing individuals and families with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about prescription medications. Through this partnership with DisposeRX, we are enhancing access to safe disposal methods, ultimately preventing opioid misuse before it begins.”

Nichole Dawsey, Executive Director, Addiction Prevention Coalition

What is DisposeRX + why is it important in Jefferson County?

Great question! Let’s start with why it’s important. 

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health has revealed significant findings. One states that most individuals 12 years and older who misused prescription pain relievers got their last misused medication from a friend or family member.

This one stat gives you a glimpse into just how easy it is for medications to fall into the wrong hands and be used incorrectly. 

This is why APC’s collaboration with DisposeRX is essential—it provides Jefferson County residents with a safe and effective way to dispose of unused and expired medications.

Here’s a closer look at DisposeRX.

DisposeRX is a leading provider of in-home drug disposal solutions. Their kits include a patented, non-toxic formula that makes prescription drugs unusable. 

All you have to do to use a DisposeRX kit is:

1. Pour the mixture into a prescription bottle containing unused or expired medication
2. Add water
3. Screw on the bottle cap
4. Shake for 30 seconds
5. Drop it in the trash

Bonus: DisposeRX helps reduce environmental contamination that occurs when medication is thrown in the trash or flushed down the drain.

To see how the DisposeRX works, check out this video.

More ways to dispose of medications around Birmingham

Are you curious about more ways you can safely dispose of unused and expired medication? Here are two options APC suggests:

• Drop off unused medication at local police stations or pharmacies participating in take-back programs.
• Mix medications with used coffee grounds or kitty litter + throw them away.

For more information about Addiction Prevention Coalition’s new initiative, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook + Instagram.

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