Together We Can Make a Difference Fremont County is committed to keeping our community and environment safe and overcoming the opioid epidemic. By using the Deterra pouch, you can properly dispose of unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in 3 easy steps.
Together we can prevent drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and harm to the environment by permanently deactivating pills, patches, liquids, creams and films right at home. The Deterra pouch provides a simple, safe, and permanent solution for medication disposal that protects our families, pets, and environment.
How Does the Deterra Pouch Work?
The Deterra pouch is the only safe and environmentally sound solution that permanently destroys opioids, including fentanyl, prescription drugs, illicit and over-the-counter medications, all from the comfort of home. This simple three-step process ensures medications are safely deactivated and can be disposed of in normal household trash.
- Step 1: Place Medication in Pouch
Open pouch and place unused medications inside. - Step 2: Fill Halfway with Water
Fill halfway with warm water and wait 30 seconds. Foaming may occur. - Step 3: Seal, Shake & Dispose in Trash
Seal tightly, gently shake and dispose of in normal trash.
Why Proper Medication Disposal Matters
Proper disposal keeps children, pets, and others safe from accidentally ingesting unused or expired drugs. Every year, thousands of accidental poisonings occur when medications are not properly secured or disposed of. The Deterra pouch provides a permanent solution that ensures these medications cannot be retrieved or misused.
- Prevents Drug Misuse
Permanently deactivates medications so they cannot be retrieved from trash or diverted for misuse. - Protects Children and Pets
Eliminates the risk of accidental ingestion by curious children or pets who may find medications. - Environmental Safety
Prevents medications from entering water systems through improper disposal methods like flushing. - Privacy Protection
The opaque pouch conceals personal information on prescription labels.
Medication Safety Tips
- Take Medications as Directed
Only take medications prescribed to you and follow dosing instructions carefully. - Never Share Medications
Do not share medications or take medications not prescribed to you. - Safely Store Medications
Keep prescriptions in a safe, locked location, stored out of reach of children. - Dispose of Unused Medications
Safely deactivate and dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted medications using the Deterra pouch. - Talk to Your Provider
Discuss any questions about your prescriptions with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Additional Ways You Can Help
Are you or someone you know struggling with substance use? There are resources available to help. Together, we can end the stigma surrounding addiction and support those in need of assistance.
- Crisis Support
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (talk & text)
Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 - Treatment Resources
Find treatment and recovery services at findtreatment.gov - End the Stigma
Talk about addiction as a health issue, share your story if you're ready, and reach out to offer support to those struggling. - Dispose of Opioids Safely
Use the Deterra pouch now, save for later, or share with a neighbor. Drop boxes are also available at Cañon City Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff's Office, and Florence Police Department. - Get Free Naloxone
Free naloxone and training available at the FCDPHE lobby or kiosk locations. Visit our Naloxone Access page for more information.