DEA made regulations that allow more options for the safe disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription drugs. These options include the return of unused narcotic painkillers and other medications to approved pharmacies or the use of mail-back programs. These new regulations will expand options to safely and responsibly get rid of of unused or unwanted medications. Law enforcement offices are allowed to continue voluntarily to have take-back events and administer mail-back programs. The regulations took effect on October 9, 2014. Learn more.