Unlike the Sheriff office’s other drop boxes, the new box will be open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, according to Clark County Detective Brian Melchi.
“We have seen an increase of people calling in asking where they can properly dispose of their unwanted and unused medications,” Melchi said. “Having this box here in the lobby, people can drop theirs off 24 hours a day.”
All unwanted medications except syringes, liquids, and creams can be placed in drop boxes, Melchi said. Full bottles of pills may also be disposed of in drop boxes.
Melchi said that the central location of the new box will be more convenient for citizens wishing to dispose of medication.
“It makes it a lot easier for citizens to not have to drive as far to drop them off,” Melchi said. “Any of these pills that we can get off the street and not into the wrong hands is a plus for us.”
The Sheriff’s office also provides two other drop boxes at its East District Office at 3130 E. National Rd., and New Carlisle Fire House, 331 S. Church St.
Residents should not flush unused medications or rinse them down a drain, according to information from the Clark County Solid Waste District.
Pills may be thrown in regular trash cans, but should be disguised inside a bag of cat litter, coffee grounds, or other unsavory materials to discourge children or animals from taking the pills.
Sharps, such as needles, may be collected in a sturdy plastic jug like a laundry detergent or bleach bottle. The jugs should be secured with tape and labled. Sharps can go in regular trash, but should not be placed in a recycling bin.
Mail-in kits for sharps are also available at many pharmacies.
Melchi said the drop box will stay in the lobby as long as there is a need for it.
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