Safe Rx Drug Storage and Disposal

Healthy Acadia is committed to coordinating efforts to address prescription drug misuse across the region, including increasing awareness about the epidemic, sharing information about how community members can make a difference, and providing interventions to reduce prescription drug misuse.

Safe storage and proper disposal of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications helps to keep our communities healthier, cleaner, and safer.

Click here to learn how to keep your medications secure.

Safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications reduces the potential for drug misuse and drug diversion and help to protect our environment, including our water supply.

Since 2013, Healthy Acadia has worked in partnership with Maine Prevention Network-Maine CDC, Drug-Free Communities, local law enforcement agencies, and pharmacies to install and maintain prescription drop boxes throughout Hancock and Washington counties.

Drop Boxes

Drop boxes are now available for safe, anonymous disposal of prescription drugs* at the following locations. Please contact your nearest drop box location for operating hours.

Bar Harbor Police Department: 37 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor; (207) 288-3391
Bucksport Police Department: 89 Franklin Street, Bucksport; (207) 469-7951
Community Pharmacy - Bucksport: 75 Main Street, Bucksport: (207) 469-7030
Eastport Family Pharmacy: 60 Water Street, Eastport; (207) 853-9200
Eastport Police Department: 28 Water Street, Eastport; (207) 853-4553
Ellsworth Hannaford Grocery & Pharmacy: 225 High Street, Suite 1, Ellsworth; 207-667-5300
Ellsworth Police Department: 1 City Hall Plaza, Ellsworth; (207) 667-2168
Hancock County Sheriff's Office: 50 State Street, Suite 10, Ellsworth; (207) 667-7575
Machias Family Pharmacy: 194 Main Street, Machias; (207) 255-8880
Mount Desert Police Department: 21 Sea Street, Northeast Harbor; (207) 276-5111
Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital: 57 Water Street, Blue Hill; 207-374-3400
Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township Police Department: 443 US 1, Princeton; (207) 796-5296
Passamaquoddy Tribe of Pleasant Point Police Department: 100 County Rd, Perry; (207) 853-6100
Southwest Harbor Police Department: 26 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor; (207) 244-7911
Washington County Sheriff Department: 47 Court Street, Machias; (207) 255-3434

*Sorry, NO syringes, liquids, medical devices, needles, broken glass, or sharps of any kind can be accepted through drop boxes. Contact your healthcare provider or local medical center for information regarding the proper disposal of these items. For more information about safe disposal of needles, syringes, or medical sharps click here or call the Maine DEP Biomedical Waste Program at (207) 287-7704.

If I can't reach a drop box?

Drop boxes are the best and safest way to dispose of medications. However, if that is not possible, DO NOT pour medications down a drain or flush down the toilet. Here are some alternative guidelines:

If you are unable to access a drop box or take-back event in your community, Healthy Acadia has a limited number of Deterra medication deactivation pouches available. The Deterra medication deactivation system is a drug deactivation pouch that neutralizes over-the-counter medicine and prescription medicine to provide a safe and convenient alternative to other disposal mechanisms. The Deterra pouch is easy to use and once medications have been placed into the pouch, it can be thrown away with your regular household trash. Click here to request a pouch.
Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag and add an undesirable substance such as kitty litter, sawdust, or coffee grounds to the plastic bag with the medications. seal the bag, and throw it away in the trash. Remember to remove all personal information from empty medication containers before disposing of them.

For more information about safe drug disposal options, download this flyer from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.