Sanibel police install prescription medication drop-off box
As a service to the community, the Sanibel Police Department recently installed a drop-off box to dispose of prescription medications in the police department lobby.
Unused portions of prescriptions should be disposed of properly to avoid harm to persons and the environment. Old or expired prescriptions can be deposited in the box and the department will see that they are properly disposed. No police report or interaction with an officer is necessary to utilize it.
There are two primary reasons to dispose of residual medications:
– Keeping medicines after no longer needed creates an unnecessary health risk in the home, especially when children and grandchildren are present. Some prescription medicines contain controlled substances and are especially harmful if taken accidentally by someone other than the patient. Residuals of the prescriptions should be properly disposed of so not be to accidentally ingested by a child, pet or others.
– To reduce overall medicine levels in local waters, the FDA recommends patients dispose of their residual medications in drop-off boxes before flushing down the sink or toilet. It is an extremely important responsibility to properly dispose of unused and expired prescriptions. Improper disposal can lead to chemical substances entering the environment and waterways, eventually re-entering the food chain through filter-feeding organisms. Mollusks and crustaceans are especially prone to accumulating chemical substances.
A study performed by scientists from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife found that significant traces of antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, heart medications and oxycodone are accumulating in the shellfish inhabiting Puget Sound. The finding demonstrates the importance of properly disposing unused prescription drugs.
The Sanibel Police Department is at 800 Dunlop Road and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days year. The Sanibel Police Department can be reached by calling 239-472-3111. In cases of emergency, call 911.