The US Division of Public Health recently finalized Drug Enforcement Administration rules implementing the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010. The final rule is available here. It becomes effective Oct. 9, 2014.

Highlights include:

• -Setting parameters for controlled substance diversion prevention by encouraging a variety of methods for collecting and destroying pharmaceutical controlled substances in a secure and convenient manner
• -Providing additional options to dispose of unwanted and/or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances via take-back events, mail-back programs and authorized collection receptacles
• -Expanding “authorized registrants/collectors” to include: manufacturers, distributors, reverse distributors, narcotic treatment programs, hospitals and clinics with an on-site pharmacy and retail pharmacies. These entities may maintain collection receptacles and/or conduct mail-back programs
• – The rule does not prohibit “ultimate users” from using existing lawful methods of disposal, including law enforcement collection receptacles.
• Allows long term care facilities to house collection receptacles in certain instances.

Resources include a General Public Fact Sheet; a Long Term Care Facility Fact Sheet: and a Registrant Fact Sheet outlining the rule as it relates to authorized collectors.