DisposeRx Applauds FDA Action to Expand In-Home Opioid Disposal Options
— DisposeRx, a leading provider of medication disposal solutions, today welcomed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) call for public input on standards for in-home opioid disposal products. The Request for Information is an important step toward reducing the volume of unused prescription opioids in American homes, part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis.
Unused prescription opioids sitting in medicine cabinets remain one of the most common pathways to misuse, diversion, and accidental poisoning. In-home disposal solutions empower patients to take immediate action once medications are no longer needed.
The FDA announced on March 5, 2026, that it is evaluating whether opioid manufacturers should be required to provide in-home disposal systems through pharmacies and other dispensers, in addition to prepaid mail-back envelopes, as is currently required. “Addressing the opioid crisis requires collaboration across healthcare, public health, community, and government partners,” said William Simpson, President and CEO of DisposeRx. “We commend FDA Commissioner Dr. Makary and FDA leadership for taking bold actions to address the disease of addiction in our country.”
For nearly a decade, DisposeRx has worked with pharmacies, healthcare systems, community organizations, and policymakers to expand access to safe, simple, and affordable medication disposal solutions. Since 2017, DisposeRx has distributed more than 46 million disposal packets nationwide, helping remove over 500 million unused opioid doses from home medicine cabinets.
Expanding access to in-home disposal solutions through pharmacies is critical to this effort. As one of the most trusted healthcare professionals, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to educate patients about medication safety and proper disposal practices at the point of care.
“Prevention begins with solutions that are simple, accessible, and affordable,” Simpson said. “When pharmacists provide patients with practical tools to safely dispose of medications at home, we can dramatically reduce the number of unused medications left in households and create an immediate opportunity to protect families and communities.” The FDA’s Request for Information aligns with congressional direction under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, which called for the agency to develop guidance facilitating safe in-home disposal options. DisposeRx encourages healthcare professionals, patient advocates, public health organizations, and community leaders to participate in the FDA's public comment process, which is open until April 6, 2026. Providing input will help ensure patient-centered solutions remain at the forefront of national opioid safety efforts.
