DEA Controlled Substances Disposal

The DEA provides guidance on the proper disposal of controlled substances. Based on DEA guidance, Emory University has a policy that covers the proper use and disposal of controlled substances for non-human subjects research. At this time, a DEA registered reverse distributor must be used to properly dispose of controlled substances.

The DEA registration holder (registrant) is responsible for making sure that all controlled substances are properly disposed of when:

• The substances expire,
• the Registrant’s DEA registration is not renewed, or
• when the Registrant no longer conducts research at Emory University using controlled substances or leaves Emory University.

The registrant must establish an account with an approved reverse distributor vendor, and arrange with the DEA registered reverse-distributor to accept and dispose of controlled substances.

The registrant should keep:

• A biennial inventory of controlled substances in his/her possession,
• the order, receipt and shipping records for materials in inventory, and
• any records evidencing disposition of the substances for three years (current year plus two years) from date record was created.

Ref. http://policies.emory.edu/7.25

Reverse Distributors* that Emory researchers have used for disposal of controlled substances:

EXP Pharma

Burke Horton, Inc. D/B/A The Rx Exchange

*The Environmental Health and Safety Office does not endorse individual vendors, products or services.