Program Overview

The Challenge
The United States is awash with unused and undisposed prescription drugs. At least 40 percent of prescription medications are not completely used and are likely to remain inside the home where insecure storage poses serious risks to the safety and health of vulnerable populations, such as children, adolescents, and individuals with substance use disorders. The good news is that people who are counseled about appropriate disposal methods are three times as likely to dispose of unused medication as those who receive no counseling.

In the face of a critical need to increase public awareness about proper medication disposal, drug take-back programs have emerged as an effective strategy for safe disposal. Expanding adoption of these programs nationwide represents an important opportunity to better protect American families and reduce substance misuse.

The Response
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is responding to this challenge by supporting state, local, and tribal drug disposal and take-back efforts. Through the Comprehensive Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Program, BJA will complement current take-back efforts, especially the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, by:

• Increasing the amount of disposal and take-back equipment in communities and in homes.
• Expanding disposal and take-back opportunities year-round.
• Encouraging innovation to meet specific community needs.

The Funding Opportunity 

Solicitation Overview

• Under this solicitation, up to eight grantees will be selected for an award of up to $100,000 each for a project period beginning on July 1, 2022, and ending on
  February 28, 2023. 
• The program will fund selected sites for the sole purpose of purchasing drug take-back/storage and disposal equipment (including drop boxes, disposal pouches, and other innovative approaches) to allow law enforcement officers, first responders, and citizens to safely return and/or destroy unused medicine.
• State agencies and departments, units of local government or local agencies, and federally recognized Indian tribal entities are eligible to apply. These units of government will coordinate with multidisciplinary teams in their jurisdictions to maximize awareness about the equipment and expanded take-back and disposal opportunities.
• For full details, please read the solicitation.

To Apply/Closing Date

• The Comprehensive Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Program application (including submission capability) is available at http://s.iir.com/Qsh3SKk2. 
• The completed application and required attachments must be submitted by
  May 20, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., EDT.

Additional Resources

• Presentation Slides
• Frequently Asked Questions