If your facility handles controlled substances—whether you’re a hospital, pharmacy, laboratory, or research institution—then proper disposal isn’t just a legal box to check. It’s a crucial part of your overall hazardous waste management program.
At MLI Environmental, we work with organizations that generate a wide range of regulated waste, including DEA-controlled substances. Our goal is to take the burden off your shoulders by ensuring safe, secure, and efficient disposal that aligns with both your compliance needs and day-to-day operations.
Here’s how the disposal of controlled substances fits into a well-run hazardous waste program, and how MLI can help.
Controlled Substances as Regulated Waste
Controlled substances are not only tightly regulated by the DEA—they also often fall under hazardous waste classifications, especially when expired, damaged, or no longer usable. That means you’re not just managing pharmaceuticals, you’re handling substances that must be stored, transported, and disposed of with extreme care.
Many facilities already partner with us for RCRA hazardous waste, universal waste, labpacks, or chemical disposal. Adding DEA-controlled substance disposal is a logical next step and we make it easy to integrate into your existing waste program.
Why You Can’t Treat Controlled Substances Like Other Waste
Controlled substances can’t simply be tossed into a red bag or down the drain. Improper disposal can lead to serious consequences like:
- Environmental contamination
- Risk of diversion or theft
- Fines or penalties from regulatory agencies
But beyond compliance, there’s the operational risk: mishandling this waste can interrupt workflows, expose staff to liability, and damage your reputation. That’s why a professional hazardous waste partner is essential.
MLI’s Approach to Controlled Substance Disposal
We specialize in coordinating compliant, efficient, and fully documented disposal of controlled substances across a range of industries. Here’s how we do it:
Reverse Distribution Coordination
We work with DEA-authorized reverse distributors to handle the substances appropriately, from pickup to final destruction. Our team manages the logistics, paperwork, and scheduling so your team doesn’t have to.
Integrated Waste Management
Because we already manage your other waste streams (like chemicals, solvents, or universal waste), we’re able to streamline pickups and reduce costs by bundling services.
Secure Handling & Documentation
Controlled substances are subject to chain-of-custody requirements, and we take that seriously. We ensure substances are handled securely and that you have a full paper trail from pickup to destruction.
Waste Identification Support
Not sure if your expired medication qualifies as a controlled substance or hazardous waste? We’ll help you categorize it properly and recommend the right disposal method.
Common Issues We Help Facilities Avoid
When organizations attempt to manage controlled substance disposal in-house—or rely on multiple vendors—they often run into problems like:
- Missed pickups or scheduling conflicts
- Improper labeling and storage
- Inefficient waste segregation
- Overpaying for fragmented services
- Lack of documentation in the event of an audit
MLI Environmental solves these issues by delivering a centralized waste management solution, backed by years of field experience and industry expertise.
Controlled Substance Disposal Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Think of controlled substance disposal as part of your broader hazardous waste strategy. When you work with MLI Environmental, you’re gaining a partner that understands your operational needs and not just the regulations. We help you manage:
- Pharmaceutical waste (hazardous and non-hazardous)
- Labpacks and chemical waste
- Infectious/biomedical waste
- RCRA-regulated materials
- And now, controlled substances under DEA oversight
Whether you generate a few pounds a month or manage high volumes across multiple sites, we’ll tailor a program that keeps your team focused on what they do best while we handle the waste.
Let’s Simplify Your Waste Program
Controlled substances require special care but managing them doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for a single partner to handle all your hazardous and regulated waste streams, MLI Environmental is ready to help.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation or learn how we can build a customized disposal program that works for your facility.
Last updated on February 3rd, 2026 at 07:04 pm