Full Notification

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department announces the establishment of a permanent medication drop box in the lobby of the police department at 19 Tucker Drive in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The public can anonymously dispose of medicine 7-days a week, 24 hours a day. Drugs that linger in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. This drop box provides the public with another opportunity to prevent prescription drug abuse by ridding your home of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted medicine.

The rate of prescription drug abuse in the United States is alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to the availability of these drugs. Studies show that approximately 70% of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including home medicine cabinets. More alarming is that prescription drug abuse can be a gateway to heroin use.

It is not recommended to dispose of these unwanted drugs by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash as it poses potential safety and health hazards. Any unused prescription medications, controlled substances, medicated ointments, over the counter medicines, and inhalers may be disposed of however needles will not be accepted at this location. Medicines must be placed in a wrapped or sealed plastic bag, do not put the prescription bottle or box in the bag, before being placed in the drop box. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the inventory of your prescription medicine and secure unused items if you don’t plan to dispose of them immediately. Most importantly, talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drugs.

This initiative represents a partnership with the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, Dutchess County STOP-DWI and C.V.S. Pharmacy.