Lawmakers Introduced Safe Disposal of Opioids Act
The legislation seeks to expand drug disposal access by funding new collection sites through industry fees.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Congressman Riley M. Moore and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici have introduced the Safe Disposal of Opioids Act. The bill aims to reduce opioid misuse by establishing new drug disposal sites.
Why it matters
The legislation intends to prevent accidental use, misuse, and abuse of unused prescription opioids. By creating a dedicated funding stream, the act aims to make secure disposal more accessible across the country.
The proposal mandates that at least 90% of grant funds be directed toward pharmacies, hospitals, treatment programs, and long-term care facilities. Conversely, grants for law enforcement and drug manufacturers are capped at 10% of total funds.
The players
Riley M. Moore
He is a U.S. Congressman representing West Virginia who serves as a lead sponsor of the legislation.
Suzanne Bonamici
She is a U.S. Congresswoman from Oregon who serves as a co-lead sponsor of the bill.
The details
The bill directs the Attorney General, the DEA, HHS, and ONDCP to award grants for establishing or maintaining drug disposal sites. It includes provisions for a fee on opioid manufacturers, producers, and importers to fund the program, while exempting drugs used exclusively to treat opioid addiction and providing discounts for hospice or cancer pain patients.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: The Safe Disposal of Opioids Act was officially proposed.
The Big Picture
This legislation builds upon the regulatory framework of the Controlled Substances Act by specifically addressing the lifecycle of unused medication. It marks a significant shift toward mandatory, industry-funded disposal infrastructure as a primary harm-reduction tool.
This bill could increase the availability of safe drug disposal kiosks at local pharmacies and hospitals, making it easier to dispose of unused painkillers. Patients using opioids for cancer-related pain or hospice care may also benefit from new cost-saving discount structures.
The takeaway
Secure disposal of unused medication is a critical step in preventing the diversion and misuse of powerful prescription drugs. Readers can prepare for potential future changes in disposal options by consulting with local pharmacists about existing take-back programs in their communities.
Further reading
For more information on national trends in medication safety, 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?
