IN-HOME DRUG DISPOSAL STEPS
How DisposeRx packets work
DisposeRx in-home prescription drug disposal packets give families and communities a safe, easy, affordable and accessible way to get rid of unused or expired medications.
Millions of medications go unused every year creating risk in our homes. In-home medication disposal is a simple and responsible way to reduce that risk immediately. DisposeRx removes barriers — no holding aside for special collection days, no complicated steps, no big expense — because we know that the best solution to a problem is one that people can actually adopt.
When mixed with water in a prescription vial, each single-use packet contains a non-toxic, patented powder blend creates a cross-linking polymer gel that binds the medication’s active ingredients —making the medication inaccessible, unusable, and ready for safe disposal.
✅ EFFECTIVE FOR USE WITH:
Pills, tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. | Medications removed from blister packs. | Medications for humans or pets.
HOW TO USE DISPOSERXQuick and easy in-home drug disposal steps
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Fill your medication vial about two-thirds full with water.
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Tear open the DisposeRx packet and pour the powder into the vial.
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Replace the cap and shake for 30 seconds.
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Place the sealed vial in your household trash.
Helpful tips for best results:
Works best when the vial is ⅔ full of water and no more than ⅓ full of medication.
Enough water is key—it allows the powder to fully activate and form the gel.
If you don’t have the original vial, any small, hard-walled, sealable container will work.
One packet. One vial. Every time.
For best results, use one DisposeRx packet per vial of medication—no matter the vial size. The patented blend activates to form a viscous crosslinking polymer gel that makes the medication inaccessible, unusable, and unavailable for misuse. The gel’s consistency will vary from thinner to thicker depending on the type and amount of medication—both are normal and effective. The sealed vial can be placed in the household trash immediately after shaking.
DisposeRx has been rigorously and independently tested by multiple analytical laboratories, confirming its safety and effectiveness as a simple, eco-friendly medication disposal solution.
Why it works
Our C-LPG Technology™ and patented blend activate in the medication vial when mixed with water, creating a cross-linking polymer gel that binds the medications active ingredients. This process continues to support the breakdown of the medication over time rendering it unavailable for misuse.
THREE LAYERS OF PROTECTION:
Medication vial with tamper-resistant cap
The DisposeRx C-LPG Technology™ & patented blend
Polymer matrix that supports continuous degradation of medication
THE PROOF IS CLEAR
When you have DisposeRx packets on hand, you use them.
STUDIES SHOW:High compliance when provided: In pediatric and family studies, up to 95% of patients safely disposed of leftover opioids with DisposeRx packets.
Strong results in surgical patients: In adult surgical settings, 57% disposed of unused opioids when given DisposeRx packets and education—nearly double the disposal vs. education alone.
Patient satisfaction: 95% reported being very satisfied with the simple disposal process.
By contrast: Without any tool, fewer than 10% of patients dispose of leftover medications.
Frequently asked questions
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In-home drug disposal means you can safely deactivate and discard unused medications right where you live—without needing to travel to a take-back site or wait for a drop-off day. The FDA recognizes in-home drug disposal systems as being effective at mitigating the risk of unused medication.
In-home drug disposal:
Changes the physical integrity of the drug
Renders the active ingredients unusable for all practical purposes
Is non-toxic, non-hazardous, and poses no threat to the consumer
Reduces the chance of environmental exposure
Acts as a deterrent to misuse. DisposeRx makes this process simple
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DisposeRx packets are designed to safely dispose of most unused medications, including pills, capsules, powders, and liquids. They can be used with medications for both people and pets. We often focus on higher-risk medications—like opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone), stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan), and antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, azithromycin)—because improper storage or disposal of these medications can lead to serious safety or environmental risks. It is approved for use with medications removed from blister packs, simply pop the pills out into a small, sealable container (like a prescription vial) and proceed with the standard DisposeRx steps.
Please note: DisposeRx is not recommended for disposing of transdermal patches (like fentanyl patches). For those, we recommend following the disposal instructions provided by the manufacturer or consulting your pharmacist for guidance.
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We don’t measure by pill count because pills, tablets, and capsules all vary in size. Instead, think about proportions: for best results, the vial should be no more than ⅓ to ½ full of medication so that there is enough room for the water before adding the DisposeRx packet. This gives the patented powder room to fully activate and form the viscous gel that makes medications inaccessible, unusable, and unavailable for misuse. Most vials aren’t filled to the very top, so they already have the right amount of space for water.
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Once you’ve added DisposeRx, shaken for 30 seconds, and discarded the sealed vial in the household trash, the gel inside continues to trap the medication’s active ingredients within the crosslinking polymer network. As the gel dries over time, the network tightens around the ingredients, keeping them isolated and inaccessible. This ongoing containment makes the vial safe for disposal in the trash and helps reduce risks of misuse or environmental harm.
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Because you can make your home safer in seconds—not someday. DisposeRx provides a convenient, in-home solution that lets you act immediately, without waiting for a drop-off day or finding a kiosk. By removing medications right away, you prevent them from sitting forgotten in the cabinet and eliminate the risk of misuse or accidental ingestion. One quick step, and the medications are gone for good—giving you peace of mind that your home is safer.
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DisposeRx dissolves the drug’s active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)—the part of the medication that affects the body—and traps them in the gel so they can’t be reused. What may remain visible are inactive fillers or coatings, which have no therapeutic value. Even if you still see something that looks like a pill, the active ingredients have already been dissolved and locked away.
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It’s normal to still see what looks like a pill or capsule inside the gel. The breakdown process begins right away but continues over time. What may appear whole is usually just filler or coating—the medication’s active ingredients are already trapped in the gel matrix. Even if someone tried to retrieve it, the medication would no longer be usable in the way it was originally prescribed, helping prevent misuse.
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Great question—and thank you for taking extra steps to keep your household safe. Here are a few simple but important tips to follow when disposing of medications at home:
Remove or mark out personal information on the prescription label, including your name, address, and the medication name. A black permanent marker works well.
Make sure the cap is securely closed on the vial before tossing it in the trash.
Check your medicine cabinet regularly. Set a reminder every few months to safely clear out any unused or expired medications.
Talk with your family, especially kids and teens, about the importance of medication safety. When young people understand the risks, they’re more likely to make safe choices. Using DisposeRx is a powerful first step—you’re making medications inactive and unusable. These small added actions help close the loop and build safer habits for the long run.
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No worries — DisposeRx was intentionally designed to be safe and non-toxic. We believe that getting rid of leftover medications shouldn’t mean introducing something harmful into your home. That’s why all the ingredients in our packets are commonly used in FDA-approved oral medications. If you have a spill, simply wipe up the DisposeRx powder or gel with a damp paper towel and throw it away in the household trash. There’s no need for special handling or disposal—just a quick clean-up and you’re good to go.
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DisposeRx gel is made from ingredients approved by the FDA for use in oral medications and is considered non-toxic and non-hazardous. However, it is not designed for consumption. If the gel is swallowed, treat it as you would any product not meant to be ingested: seek medical advice right away. We recommend calling your doctor, contacting Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or dialing 911 if you need urgent assistance.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?