HOW DOES A TAKE-BACK PROGRAM WORK?
A take-back program is a comprehensive solution designed to safely collect, transport, and properly dispose of post-consumer waste. These programs address critical aspects of our society including public health, safety, social justice, waste management, and the environment. Managing the end-of-life disposition of products and packaging helps create a circular economy where we keep materials in use and out of landfills, while also responding to emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that make brands legally accountable for their products’ disposition.
TAKE-BACK KIOSKS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
OTHER PROVIDERS…
1. Cabinets with Padlocks
Padlocks can be easily cut off with a bolt cutter, making them an unreliable security measure. Cabinets secured only with padlocks are vulnerable to unauthorized access and theft.
2. Cabinets with External Anchors
External anchors allow cabinets to be uninstalled easily by removing visible fasteners. This makes them susceptible to tampering or theft if accessible from the outside.
3. Cabinets with Wide-Opening Hoppers
Hoppers that open widely provide easy access to the cabinet’s contents. This can lead to unauthorized removal or tampering, especially if left unsecured.
4. Cabinets That Are Not ADA Compliant
Non-ADA-compliant cabinets may require modifications to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Poor design, such as high handles or hard-to-open doors, can create barriers for users with mobility issues.
WHY CHOOSE ARXG?
Our full-service take-back program provides a secure, efficient, and fully compliant solution for the proper disposition of post-consumer materials, including pharmaceutical waste, medical waste, electronic waste, and other manufactured items.
Managed through our proprietary online portal, the program ensures full adherence to DEA, DOT, and courier-specific regulations. With self-service kiosks, robust track-and-trace capabilities, white-labeling options, and expert customer support, we deliver scalable, turnkey solutions that empower your business to manage post-consumer waste with confidence.
| Patented Security Kiosks | Near Real-Time Track & Trace |
| Customizable Vinyl Graphics | No Administrative Burden |
| Anti-Phishing & Tamper-Evident | Easy Installation |
| Lifetime Warranty* | Single Point of Accountability |
| User-Friendly, Centralized Portal | No Additional Supplies Needed |
| Patented Universal Liner System | ADA, DEA, DOT, and Title 21 Compliant |
| Various Mail-In Take-Back Products | Dedicated Customer Support |
*Stainless steel parts and assemblies have a lifetime warranty against material rust through (powder coating not included.)
Non-stainless assemblies have a three-year warranty against normal wear and tear.
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL TAKE-BACK PROGRAM?
1. PATENTED KIOSKS & LINERS
Choose Your Kiosk Size, Material, and Capacity: Select from multiple kiosk sizes, ranging from 6-gallon to 46-gallon capacities, to meet your facility’s specific needs. Available in durable powder-coated or stainless steel finishes.
Customize Your Kiosk’s Design: Choose from one of our pre-designed templates or work with our design team to create a fully customized kiosk featuring your facility’s branding, logos, and messaging.
2. CENTRALIZED PORTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Portal Setup & White-Label Options: We’ll work with you to set up and configure a fully portal environment; additional options available for a fully-branded look. This includes onboarding and training materials, fine-tuning the regulatory-compliant tracking system, and establishing hierarchical user management to support seamless program administration.
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting: Our proprietary portal tracks shipment lifecycles and specific medication disposal efforts throughout their entire lifecycle, from collection to certified destruction. Generate detailed reports and analytics of your program’s performance and receive up-to-date information on shipment status, destruction certification, and audit-ready documentation.
End-of-Life Disposition: Whether you use our destruction partner’s facilities or your own, our take-back programs include prepaid return labels, near real-time tracking through integration with hardware scanners and scales, and access to the destruction tracking module within our portal for centralized storage and visibility of destruction confirmation documentation.
3. CONVENIENT TAKE-BACK PRODUCTS
Designed for individual, at-home, and commercial use, our mail-back solutions fully comply with DEA Title 21 CFR § 1317.60 and DOT regulations. They feature secure construction with tamper-evident seals, prepaid return labels, clear end-user instructions, and unique tracking information to provide oversight at every step through our user-friendly portal—from pickup to certified destruction. Easily download Form DEA-41 (Certificate of Destruction) for full regulatory compliance, generate detailed reports, view analytics, and take advantage of automatic reordering to ensure uninterrupted program management.
- Pharmaceutical Waste Envelopes: 3pk, 50pk, 250pk
- Medical Waste Kits & Sharps Containers: 1.5qt, 1.5gal, 5gal, 18gal, 28gal
- Patented Universal Liners: 6gal, 20gal, 28gal, 38gal
- Various Accessories: mounts, locking brackets & kiosk add-ons
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Partnering with a take-back provider helps reduce business risks, build public trust, support environmental goals, and improve workplace safety by minimizing the accumulation of post-consumer waste. Incorporating circularity into your business strategy goes beyond regulatory compliance and can boost your bottom line by improving operational efficiency, lowering energy costs, and addressing environmental challenges. Sustainable practices also attract and retain employees while enhancing your company’s reputation. Learn why we care.
Many companies offer turnkey services to manage product take-back programs, driven by corporate sustainability goals and government regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). These services are tailored for specific products, from consumer electronics and batteries to specialized materials and packaging.
Companies that offer take-back programs typically bring a strong combination of regulatory expertise, technology, and customer-focused service. At ARXG, take-back is not just a service—it’s our foundation. We began as a take-back company, and it remains our core competency today.
We provide single-point accountability with solutions tailored to your specific needs, backed by cutting-edge technology and a seamless user experience. Our programs prioritize diversion, consistency, and compliance, with open, transparent communication every step of the way.
With over 100 years of combined industry experience, our team delivers best-in-class service and strategic guidance. Executive leadership is directly involved to ensure continuity, innovation, and a long-term partnership. Most importantly, we’re passionate about helping you exceed expectations in safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
Costs vary based on the type and scale of your take-back program, with consumables such as sharps containers, liners, envelopes, collection containers, packaging, labels, bags, and absorbent materials often priced separately.
Common expenses associated with take-back programs include kiosks, mail-back products, prepaid shipping, return logistics, and certified destruction services. Additional costs may include regulatory compliance items like tracking systems, documentation, portal capabilities, as well as optional services such as white-label customization. Learn more.
To stay compliant, your business must follow federal, state, and local regulations based on the type of waste you’re collecting—whether pharmaceuticals, sharps, electronics, or other products. This typically includes using approved collection methods, partnering with licensed disposal providers, securing proper documentation, and following handling, transport, and destruction requirements.
Our team can help you navigate these rules and implement a fully compliant, end-to-end solution. Contact us today!
Regulations for launching a take-back program vary by state and locality and often require compliance with agencies such as the DEA, EPA, DOT, and relevant state or industry-specific authorities. Depending on the materials being collected, businesses may need to follow specific guidelines around eligible participants, approved collection methods, and partnerships with licensed processors or reverse logistics providers. If you have any questions or need support navigating the regulatory landscape, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Are there grants, subsidies, or government programs to support take-back initiatives for businesses?
Some government agencies and local authorities offer grants or funding for medical take-back programs, especially for community health initiatives and environmental protection. Availability and eligibility vary by location.
While the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides broad funding for small businesses, you should also check for programs from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state environmental and economic development agencies, and specific initiatives targeting sustainability, recycling, or circular economy projects, as these may offer relevant support.
Successful take-back programs use clear signage, staff training, informational brochures, and digital outreach to raise awareness of safe post-consumer waste disposition practices and encourage participation. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today!
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
ARXG by Reconomy has established itself as the premier partner for comprehensive take-back program solutions across multiple industries. We set the standard with our innovative security technology, seamless compliance management, and unparalleled customer support. Our proven track record and industry expertise ensure your investment delivers results, providing the peace of mind that comes from partnering with a leader who anticipates challenges and delivers where others fall short.