Pharmaceutical Processing World

  • Home
  • Regulatory
    • Recalls
  • Pharmaceutical Processing
  • Facility
  • Supply Chain
  • Equipment and Materials
  • Contract Manufacturing
  • Resources
    • Voices
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE

Drug deactivation system helps N.J. pharmacies comply with new anti-overdose law

By Sean Whooley | January 22, 2020

Verde Environmental Technologies announced that it launched four new retail products with its Deterra system in compliance with New Jersey’s “Charlie’s Law” that requires every pharmacy practice site in the state to provide effective options for consumers to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications.

The law requires pharmacies to carry effective drug disposal methods including non-toxic materials and ingredients. Verde touts its Deterra drug deactivation system as the only at-home safe medication disposal solution compliant with Charlie’s Law, section two, according to a news release.

Deterra also follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for household waste and New Jersey’s municipal waste regulations, as it is made with non-toxic activated carbon and its pouches are made from plant-based materials. The system also includes the amount of activated carbon needed for making medications permanently and irreversibly unavailable and unusable.

Verde’s products are set to be available for pharmacies in four different retail kit options that include Deterra pouches, a countertop or shelf display, customer and pharmacist education materials and a customizable poster. Deterra pouches are also available to be purchased in bulk.

According to a study published in JAMA Surgery, patients prescribed pain-relieving opioids after surgery and given Deterra for at-home disposal were four times more likely to safely dispose of leftover and unneeded medications than those who weren’t provided the proper education or support.

“Improper disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications is a key contributor to drug abuse, one that can be the simplest to fix,” Verde Environmental Technologies, chairman & CEO Jason Sundby said in the news release. “New Jersey is to be applauded for enacting legislation to prevent unused opioids and other dangerous drugs from getting into the wrong hands. With only 90 days left for pharmacies to come into compliance with Charlie’s Law, Deterra enables them to quickly and easily enact a safe and effective solution.”

“Charlie’s Law will help prevent prescription opioid, benzodiazepine and other substance use disorders,” added Recovery Centers of America chief scientific officer Dr. Deni Carise. “Consumers need more accessible options for safe disposal of these prescription drugs to avoid diversion of unused medications, especially harmful opioids. We understand the importance of preventing and treating drug addiction and support the New Jersey legislature’s focus on promoting awareness around in-home medication disposal options, and other safe disposal methods, with every prescription.”

About The Author

Sean Whooley

Sean Whooley is an associate editor who mainly produces work for MassDevice, Medical Design & Outsourcing and Drug Delivery Business News. He received a bachelor's degree in multiplatform journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or email him at swhooley@wtwhmedia.com.

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

Related Articles Read More >

Doctor, woman patient and tablet for consulting with results, medical info and talk for healthcare with mockup space. Japanese medic, digital touchscreen or show video for surgery, wellness or advice.
Putting patients first in clinical trials
Confidently navigate the transition from bench to batch
Merck
FDA approves Merck’s Winrevair to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension
kobayashi pharmaceutical logo
Report: Japan health authorities investigate Kobayashi Pharmaceutical factory after five deaths
“ppw
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest news, technologies, and developments in Pharmaceutical Processing.

DeviceTalks Tuesdays

DeviceTalks Tuesdays

MEDTECH 100 INDEX

Medtech 100 logo
Market Summary > Current Price
The MedTech 100 is a financial index calculated using the BIG100 companies covered in Medical Design and Outsourcing.
Pharmaceutical Processing World
  • Subscribe to our E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • R&D World
  • Drug Delivery Business News
  • Drug Discovery & Development
  • DeviceTalks
  • MassDevice
  • Medical Design & Outsourcing
  • MEDICAL TUBING + EXTRUSION
  • Medical Design Sourcing
  • Medtech100 Index
  • R&D 100 Awards

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Pharmaceutical Processing World

  • Home
  • Regulatory
    • Recalls
  • Pharmaceutical Processing
  • Facility
  • Supply Chain
  • Equipment and Materials
  • Contract Manufacturing
  • Resources
    • Voices
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE