Across Mississippi, communities continue to feel the impact of opioid misuse and accidental overdose. Too often, medications that were once prescribed for legitimate use remain in medicine cabinets unsecured, forgotten, or no longer needed, creating unintended risk for misuse, diversion, and accidental poisoning, especially among youth and older adults.
As a trusted healthcare provider, your pharmacy plays a critical role in prevention.
Installing a safe, accessible medication disposal box offers a simple yet powerful solution. It provides your community with a convenient way to properly dispose of unused or expired medications, helping to reduce the availability of substances that can be misused while reinforcing your pharmacy’s role as a leader in community health and safety.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Central Mississippi Area has a long-standing history of serving Mississippi through prevention, education, and support for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. Grounded in the belief that substance use disorder is a disease, not a moral failing, NCADD works to increase awareness, expand access to resources, and strengthen communities across the state.
Through this Permanent Collection Site Campaign, made possible by the Office of State Opioid Response, NCADD is partnering with independent pharmacies to expand access to safe medication disposal statewide.
By participating, you are not only offering a service, but you are also helping prevent overdose, protect families, and contribute to a safer Mississippi.
What NCADD Provides
Through this free initiative, NCADD will provide:
A professionally installed, DEA-compliant medication disposal box
A stipend covering up to one year of medication drop box liners
Promoting the medication drop box location
Ongoing technical assistance and support as needed
Step-by-Step Process: Partnering with NCADD to Install a Medication Disposal Box
Step 1: Update Your Pharmacy’s DEA Status
The first step in becoming a permanent collection site is updating your pharmacy’s DEA status to “Authorized Collector.”This allows your pharmacy to legally collect Schedule II–V controlled substances for safe disposal.
This is a quick, web-based process that typically takes less than five (5) minutes:
Visit the DEA Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Registration Tools: https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/webforms2
Log in using your pharmacy’s DEA number
Select “Modify Registration”
Use the drop-down menu to update your status to “Collection Receptacle Only”
Submit your request
Once approved, download and print your updated DEA certificate
Replace your current certificate with the updated version
Once complete, your pharmacy is eligible to install a medication disposal box.
Step 2: Contact NCADD to Request Your Disposal Box
After updating your DEA status, connect with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Central Mississippi Area by visiting ncaddms.org/resources or by calling 601.899.5880 to begin the installation process.
NCADD will:
Coordinate your DEA-compliant medication disposal box
Provide a custom design mockup featuring your pharmacy’s logo alongside NCADD branding
Arrange for approved destruction services
Guide you through next steps and answer any questions
Please Note: Once your mockup is approved, shipping and installation may take approximately 4–6 weeks.
Step 3: Install Your Medication Disposal Box
Select a safe, visible, and secure location within your pharmacy. Installation must follow DEA guidelines:
The box must be securely fastened to a permanent structure (e.g., floor or wall)
It must be a locked, substantially constructed container with:
A permanent outer container
A removable inner liner
The opening must allow deposits but prevent the retrieval of contents
Placement Requirements:
Must remain within line of sight of pharmacy staff at all times
Must be inaccessible when the pharmacy is closed
Must include clear signage indicating accepted items
Step 4: Train Staff on Collection & Removal Procedures
Proper staff training is essential for compliance and safety.
Develop a simple training plan or in-service session
Follow vendor-specific guidance for liner removal and destruction
General DEA-compliant process includes:
Two (2) staff members must be present during removal
Unlock and remove the inner liner from the receptacle
Do not place hands inside the liner (sharps may be present)
Seal the liner according to vendor instructions
Place liner in approved mail-back or destruction container
Seal and prepare for courier pickup
Replace the liner and lock the receptacle
Important:
Two staff members must also be present when transferring the container to the courier
Track shipment until confirmation of destruction is received
Step 5: Promote Your Medication Disposal Box
Your disposal box is more than a service,—it’s an opportunity to strengthen patient relationships and increase engagement.
Ways to promote your site:
Encourage patients to safely dispose of unused or expired medications
Incorporate reminders during medication counseling and synchronization
Highlight your pharmacy’s role in community safety and prevention
Promote alongside services such as:
Immunizations
Medication adherence programs
Over-the-counter (OTC) offerings
Partner with local organizations, coalitions, and law enforcement
Participate in and promote Prescription Drug Take Back Day events
