Controlled Substance Disposal

As a DEA-registered Reverse Distributor, Return Logistics International Corporation (RLI) works with DEA Registrants that need compliant destruction of controlled substances and provides them with copies of the required DEA Form 41’s certifying proof of disposal.

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The Return Logistics Advantage

DEA Reverse Distributor

As a DEA registered Reverse Distributor, Return Logistics International Corporation (RLI) works with DEA Registrants that need compliant destruction of controlled substances. RLI then provides them with copies of the required DEA Form 41’s certifying proof of disposal. Since 1996, when RLI opened it’s waste processing and return center in Savannah, GA, it has maintained the proper permits and licenses for Solid Waste Processing, Hazardous Waste Large Quantity Generation and required state licenses, in addition to DEA Reverse Distribution.

A Single Product to a Truckload

From a single product to a truckload, RLI provides DEA Registrants with the peace of mind that any long-term liabilities associated with the diversion of these products have been eliminated. We also offer a simple, fee-for-service agreement, with no expiration date, no volume commitment, and no prepayment requirement.

Our Experts Help You Deal with the DEA

The Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Office of Diversion Control regulates the disposal of DEA scheduled controlled substances. The mission of DEA’s Diversion Control Division is to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources. Therefore ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs.

RLI can help improve your DEA accountability for security, documentation and destruction of your obsolete DEA regulated products and raw materials. As a DEA Registered Agent, we help you adhere to the DEA regulations that require registrants. RLI keeps a detailed record of all inbound and outbound controlled substances; including the destruction of outdated or obsolete inventory.

Here is how RLI can help you:

Easy and Straight-Forward

Easy, straightforward, cost effective solution for the destruction of your expired DEA controlled substances; in addition to, prescription drugs, raw materials and over-the-counter products.

Fee-for-Service Agreements

Simple Fee-for-Service agreement, no expiration date, no volume commitment, and no prepayment requirement.

Sustainable Waste Practices

Sustainable waste management, converting your obsolete DEA regulated products and raw materials into clean renewable energy through thermal destruction.

Enhanced Regulatory Compliance

Enhance your regulatory compliance with our provided copies of receipt reports, certificates of destruction and DEA Form 41s returned to you for your records and reporting.

Simplified Budgeting

Simplified budgeting with a minimum per-shipment transaction fee or billed per product and pounds destroyed, whichever is greater.

Layered Security

Multiple layers of security safeguarding brand identity while in RLI possession. Our facility complies with DEA security requirements, including cameras, gated entrances and vault/cages for your obsolete substances while quarantined awaiting destruction.

Experienced and Specialized

Trust our experience, reputation and integrity from seasoned returned processors and waste specialists who have well over 100 years of collective proficiency in regulatory affairs, waste management, and environmental compliance.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Don’t just take it from us, let our customers do the talking!

“Return Logistics provides us the shortest turnaround time in the industry. They provide a secure supply chain in accordance with policies, procedures and the law that helps us maximize warehouse space to support our mission.”

Director of Operations

NGO that distributes medicine to the underserved

“Returns Logistics International (RLI) is by far the best reverse logistics company in the industry – bar none. Their in depth experience in processing the destruction of pharmaceutical products coupled with their CAN-DO attitude and superb customer service places them heads and shoulder above any competition. We rely on the expertise and insight RLI has gained in the reverse logistics industry. On several occasions, we have asked them to work with our company to expedite the destruction of pharmaceutical product on short notice. They simply deliver time and time again.”

Director

Life Science Service Company

“My company has been doing business with Return Logistics for over a decade. I have always found the people to be professional, courteous and ready to serve. The service they provide is invaluable to our business and I am glad to be associated with Return Logistics.”

Distribution Center Manager

Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I go about returning expired controlled substances?

Our process is simple, contact us by phone or through our contact us page on this site and we will send you our account creation package, which includes our Fee-For Service agreement and inventory forms. Once we review your inventory, we will issue you a return order number (RON), which is your authorization to ship.

Can I submit one form for two different DEA's registration out of the same practice? Or does there have to be a form for each DEA? Can we put our meds in one shipment or does it have to be two separate shipments?

Great question. All of our reports reflect the DEA registration identified on the inventory the products were shipped under. If you wish to have all products reported from one DEA registration, you can inventory them together. If you wish to have them reported under separate registrations, we request you provide two separate inventories. If sending separate inventories, we will issue a return order number for each and ask that they be shipped independently.

I have a question about shipping the expired controlled drugs. Do you have a preference between UPS, FedEx, or USPS?

We receive shipments daily from all three carriers; therefore we suggest shipping to us by the carrier that is easiest for you.

Do you accept payment by credit card?

We accept payments by check or money order.

What is the difference is between a Full-Line Item and a Partial-Line Item on your agreement?

A full-line item is product in its complete package quantity and a partial is anything less than full package quantity or any substance shipped in bulk.

What are your current rates for controlled drug destruction?

Our pricing structure is a flat fee per return, a fee for each 222 form, a price per line item for validation of full and/or partial quantities and a price per pound for destruction. For smaller quantities, we have a flat fee that includes all of our services.

What methods are used to destroy our products? Are the methods you employ "green?"

All products received are destroyed via waste-to-energy incineration, were the heat created from the incineration is used to create steam, then converted into electricity through a steam turbine. Most states consider waste-to-energy a clean, “green” renewable energy.

We have controlled drugs that are expired and I have used you in the past. Can we ship to you again?

Absolutely, we value your repeat business. Generally, our agreements do not expire, so we will verify our agreement is current and the DEA registration we have on file is still valid. If both are current, you just need to send us your current inventory, we will review, approve and issue a return order number as we have done in the past.

How long has Return Logistics been in business?

Return Logistics was formed in 1996 and opened its return center the same year. In 2006 we expanded our warehouse and capabilities that included obtaining a Georgia Department of Natural Resources, solid waste processing permit.

When do I pay for the service?

Once all of your material has been received, validated, counted, and destroyed, we’ll send you an invoice for services rendered and provide you a certificate of destruction and copy of our Form 41 for any controlled substances we receive.

What licenses and permits do you possess?

RLI possesses a DEA Reverse Distribution registration for Schedules CI, CII, CIII, CIV, and CV, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Processing Facility Permit, EPA Large Quantity Hazardous Waste Generator, Georgia Board of Pharmacy Reverse Distributor Pharmacy and required state licenses.

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If we didn’t answer all of your questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime.

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