Calling all Missourians: clean out your medicine cabinets, dispose of vapes safely, and protect our communities! That鈥檚 the call to spring cleaning action in this latest edition of a multi-year Safe Disposal Campaign that launched this week. Led by the Missouri Product Stewardship Council (MOPSC), Solid 91仓库 Management District O, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Poison Center, and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), the campaign promotes safe, convenient options for residents to dispose of unwanted medications throughout Missouri. This year, the campaign expands to include vape disposal options in the Springfield area.
According to the U.S. EPA, flushed medications can create as much as 2,300 tons of hazardous waste annually, polluting drinking water and harming aquatic wildlife. Medications are also a top cause of accidental poisoning for children, which makes holding on to expired medicines risky.
Throughout the 2026 Safe Disposal Campaign, organizers will raise awareness through social media, printed materials, and outreach partnerships with local organizations. The campaign urges residents to participate in the April 25th DEA Take Back Dayevents and highlights year-round disposal solutions for medications. Campaign organizers provide an online interactive map to help residents find a collection site near them.
New to the campaign this year is a six-month pilot program to collect and responsibly dispose of vape waste in Southwest Missouri.聽Launched in fall 2025, the pilot is the first of its kind in the state and aims to address growing environmental and public health threats posed by disposable and rechargeable vape devices.
Vape waste contains multiple materials that pose distinct risks. Lithium-ion batteries in vapes are a leading cause of destructive fires at waste facilities, which have increased by 77% in recent years. More than 1,200 incidents are reported annually, some of which have resulted in millions of dollars in damage and loss of life. Vapes also contain nicotine residue and heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which can leach into soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and drinking water supplies. Plastic vape casings do not biodegrade and contribute to pollution in landfills and public spaces. The prevalence of vaping among young people has also increased litter at schools, creating both an environmental hazard and an added burden for educators and administrators.
On April 25, Springfield-area residents can drop off disposable and rechargeable vapes, pods, and e-liquid containers at five DEA Take Back Day locations. To ensure safe handling, please bring items in a resealable plastic bag.