[Pharmwaste] DEA

[Damro_WW]

Has anyone spoken to the DEA about possible pharmaceutical collections?
I found the DEA prohibits accepting any controlled substance from
someone who is not registered to have/use that substance.  That means
individuals (some nursing homes and pharmacies too) have no choice, but
to destroy the controlled substance on their own because they are not
registered and therefore can not turn the drugs over to anyone else.
Not even a pharmacy, doctor, etc.

There is a possible loop hole/grey area that allows or exempts law
enforcement to accept abandoned drugs.  There is not language that
states this is allowed as part of a collection program, but a possible
loop hole does exist.

I was told to send a letter to Patricia Good - Chief, Liaison & Policy
Section for more clarification.  Has anyone run into this or explored
this course of action already?

Wess Damro
Recycling Manager