Sheriff's Office Incinerates 802 Pounds of Prescription Drugs

The recently destroyed more than 800 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription medications collected as part of the , a joint initiative with  that started during 2009, according to a news release. 

Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Technicians transported the 802.9 pounds of medications, a record amount collected during the past six months, to a secure location outside of Carroll County where it was incinerated, police said. This marks the largest quantity received during a six-month period since the program began. More than 2800 pounds have been collected to date.

The Medication Waste Disposal Program provides the public with an environmentally safe alternative to disposing of medications in area landfill or sewer systems.  This program reduces the opportunity for unauthorized access to dangerous and addictive medications whether through accidental contact or deliberate abuse.

The medications are removed by Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Technicians from secure collection boxes located at the Sykesville Police Department, the Taneytown Police Department, the Westminster Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Northern Satellite Office.  Collection boxes are clearly marked for identification and include instructions for residents.

Unwanted or expired medication, both prescription and over the counter, in tablet, liquid, ointment, inhaler, powder or patch form will be accepted. Syringes, needles, thermometers, bandages, gauze pads, sun block, lipstick, deodorant, non-prescription skin crème and similar products will not be accepted. Loose pills or tablets as well as any liquid medication must be placed into a sealed plastic bag prior to dropping into a collection box. 

Information in this article taken from a Sheriff's Office news release.