The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published a final rule to implement the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which was intended to mitigate prescription drug abuse by providing safe and secure mechanisms for “ultimate users” to dispose of unused or unwanted pharmaceutical controlled substances. The regulations allow authorized manufacturers, distributors, reverse distributors, narcotic treatment programs, hospitals/clinics with an on-site pharmacy, and retail pharmacies to voluntarily administer mail-back programs and maintain collection receptacles. In addition, this rule expands the authority of authorized hospitals/clinics and retail pharmacies to voluntarily maintain collection receptacles at long-term care facilities. According to the DEA, it has expanded the entities that may be authorized collectors in response to public concerns regarding ultimate users’ ability to have convenient disposal options. The rule also establishes standards related to each element of the disposal process, including the transfer, delivery, collection, destruction, return, and recall of pharmaceutical controlled substances. Also in response to comments, the DEA has relaxed some of the proposed security requirements related to storage and destruction of controlled substances. The rule is effective October 9, 2014.