How To Properly Dispose of Prescription Drugs:

“Proper disposal of prescription drugs is better for the environment and helps prevent ecological harm. Unused prescriptions should be discarded and not left in the home. This prevents accidental ingestion by children, the elderly or pets. It also helps reduce teenage drug abuse by decreasing access to prescription drugs.” -Todd Brown, a Clinical Instructor and Vice Chair of Northeastern University’s Department of Pharmacy Practice, Stoughton Parent & OASIS Member

In Stoughton

Drug Disposal

1) Use the Prescription Drug Disposal kiosk at the Stoughton Police station (Rose St.) Use the drop box to dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medication. The kiosk is available in the lobby of the Police Station 24/7 for the disposal of medication, no questions asked.

Executive Officer Devine, Chief Shastany and DA Morrissey

Kiosk CAN be use to dispose of your:

Prescriptions
Prescription Patches
Prescription Medications
Prescription Ointments
Over-the-counter medications
Vitamins
Samples
Medications for Pets

Kiosk CANNOT be used to dispose the following:

Ointments, Lotions & Liquids
Needles (Sharps)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Inhalers
Aerosol Cans
Thermometers
Medication from Businesses or Clinics

2) Wait until the annual Prescription Drug Take Back Event (in the Fall on Hazardous Waste Day). If you wait for the Fall Event please keep your medications in a safe and secure location until that time.

Safe Disposal of Needles / Sharps:

1) If you have needles / sharps, you can safely dispose of them at the Fire Station in the sharps disposal unit.

2) Needles and sharps can be disposed of at the Annual Hazardous Waste Day / Drug Take Back Event in October.

“Prescription drugs, particularly opiate-based pain pills left over from surgery, injury, even dental work, may look harmless sitting in the medicine chest, but we are finding that the opposite is true. We are hearing from addiction experts that over half, and perhaps three quarters, of young people are having their first experiences with addictive opiates that were taken directly from the medicine cabinets of family or friends.” -Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, Stoughton Patch 1/9/12

Links to Other Resources on Proper Medication Disposal

Safe Medication Disposal Tips from the FDA

Smart Drug Disposal