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Collection of Expired Controlled Substances in 2019

The University of Pittsburgh's Controlled Substance Guidelines require that expired containers of controlled substances be discarded through a Reverse Distributor. Bottles and vials containing a residual volume of controlled substances cannot be disposed of as medical waste.

To reduce costs and to simplify the process of discarding expired or unwanted controlled substances, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has arranged for a Reverse Distributor (Heritage Environmental Services) to visit Campus on a quarterly basis. 

The following controlled substance collection dates have been scheduled for 2019:

The first step in the proper disposal of DEA controlled substances is to complete the Unwanted/Expired Controlled Substances Disposal Form and submit it to Pitt EH&S via fax (412-624-8524) or email. A valid, unexpired DEA registration is required to participate in the Reverse Distributor program and the above-referenced disposal form must be submitted to EH&S at least a week in advance of the designated collection date to participate in the given collection. Advance submittal of this disposal form is required by the Reverse Distributor in order to be placed on the schedule for a designated collection date. Upon receipt of the completed disposal form, EH&S will provide additional collection information (e.g. location, time, etc.).

There is no cost to University personnel with a valid/unexpired DEA registration disposing of materials through this quarterly Reverse Distributor schedule. Use of a reverse distributor on dates not included in the quarterly schedule may be arranged by contacting EH&S, but the associated disposal costs shall be the responsibility of the DEA registrant's department.