Proposed Legislation Aimed to Increase Opioid Disposal
New federal legislation seeks to expand medication disposal sites to help prevent accidental opioid misuse.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Live Poll
Should the federal government fund drug disposal programs through fees on opioid manufacturers?
Congressman Riley M. Moore and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici have introduced the Safe Disposal of Opioids Act. The proposal creates a federal grant program to establish or maintain drug disposal sites nationwide.
Why it matters
The bill aims to lower the risk of accidental use, misuse, or abuse of leftover prescription opioids in homes. By increasing access to disposal sites, the initiative seeks to ensure unused medication is not left in medicine cabinets.
The Safe Disposal of Opioids Act outlines a structured grant allocation strategy, dedicating at least 90% of funding to pharmacies, hospitals, treatment programs, and long-term care facilities. The remaining 10% is reserved for law enforcement and drug manufacturer initiatives.
The players
Riley M. Moore
A U.S. Congressman from West Virginia who co-led the introduction of this opioid disposal legislation.
Suzanne Bonamici
A U.S. Congresswoman from Oregon who served as a co-lead sponsor for the Safe Disposal of Opioids Act.
The details
The program functions by levying a fee on opioid manufacturers, producers, and importers to generate the necessary funding. Drugs specifically used to treat opioid addiction are exempt from this fee. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is mandated to create a discount program for hospice patients and those using opioids to manage cancer-related pain.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: The Safe Disposal of Opioids Act was proposed.
Health Landscape
The Safe Disposal of Opioids Act seeks to formalize the infrastructure for medication take-back programs as a primary prevention strategy. It shifts the financial burden of managing unused pharmaceutical waste from public entities to the industry producing the medications.
This proposal highlights the importance of safely removing unused prescription opioids from your home environment. If you currently have leftover medications, consult your doctor or local pharmacist about existing, secure disposal options in your area.
The takeaway
Safely disposing of unused prescription opioids is an effective way to minimize the risk of accidental misuse in your household. Speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the disposal protocols available for your specific prescriptions.
Further reading
For more information on current resources and safety programs, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtap.
Live Poll
Should the federal government fund drug disposal programs through fees on opioid manufacturers?
