Nearly 170 pounds of prescriptions collected by Sanibel police
The Sanibel Police Department collected 168 pounds of unwanted medications in 2018, which were deposited in a prescription drop-off box that was installed in the lobby as a community service.
Officials reported that unused portions of prescription medications should be disposed of properly to avoid harm to persons and the environment. Old and expired prescriptions can be deposited in the box, and the department will see that they are disposed of properly.
No police report or interaction with an officer is necessary when using the drop-box.
There are two primary reasons to dispose of residual prescription 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 these prescriptions should be properly disposed of so not to be 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 these type of drop-off boxes, instead of flushing them down the sink or toilet.
Officials reported that it is an extremely important responsibility to properly dispose of unused and expired prescription substances. 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.
Open 24 hours a day 365 days year, the Sanibel Police Department is at 800 Dunlop Road.
For more information, contact the non-emergency line at 239-472-3111.