Unwanted or expired drugs can pose a serious environmental risk if disposed of improperly.  Flushing unwanted medications down the toilet or throwing them out in the trash can lead to groundwater contamination.  This is because wastewater treatment plants are usually not equipped to treat pharmaceuticals, which means the chemical compounds of the drugs can pass through treatment plants and into our groundwater.  Leftover drugs in the household also carry severe health risks and can lead to accidental poisoning, addiction, or abuse.

Deterra drug deactivation system is a plant-based pouch that contains activated charcoal that bonds to and neutralizes the pharmaceutical compounds of prescription drugs, rendering them harmless to people and the environment.  Simply place unwanted medications in the pouch, add warm tap water, seal the bag, shake it gently and dispose of it in a normal trash receptacle.  For more information on this product, please visit deterrasystem.com.

Pick up your FREE at-home drug disposal pouch at any of these locations throughout the City of Bend*:

• City of Bend Utility Department: 62975 Boyd Acres Road, Bend, OR 97701
• City of Bend Utility Billing Office: 639 NW Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97703
• City of Bend Police Department Lobby: 555 NE 15^th Street, Bend, OR 97701 

Unable to get a disposal pouch or have a large quantity of unwanted medications?  Head to one of these 3 drop off locations within the City of Bend:

• St. Charles Health System Main Entrance: 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend, OR 97701; Open: 24/7
• City of Bend Police Department Lobby: 555 NE 15^th Street, Bend, OR 97701; Open: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Lobby: 6333 W Highway 20, Bend, OR 97701; Open: M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

* Availability of supplies may vary and may be limited based on demand.