Anonymous Rx disposal now available at Blue Hill Hospital, Ellsworth Hannaford

Safe storage and proper disposal of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications help to keep our communities healthier, cleaner, and safer, reducing the potential for drug misuse and drug diversion and helping to protect our environment, including our water supply. Prescription drug drop boxes provide a safe, convenient, and anonymous way for community members to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication that has expired or is no longer needed.

Since 2013, Healthy Acadia has partnered with local police departments, Sheriff's Offices, and pharmacies to install and maintain prescription drop boxes throughout Hancock and Washington counties, and we’re thrilled to report new drop boxes in these locations:

Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital A locked kiosk installed in the waiting room near the main entrance of the hospital is accessible 24/7. 

Ellsworth Hannaford Grocery & Pharmacy. Contact the store for hours of operation.

Drop Box Locations

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

  • Bar Harbor Police Department: 37 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor; (207) 288-3391

  • Bucksport Police Department: 89 Franklin Street, Bucksport; (207) 469-7951

  • 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.

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.

Click here to learn how to keep your medications secure.

What 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, here are some alternative guidelines:

  • Follow medication disposal instructions on the label if given, including flushing instructions for some medications

  • DO NOT pour medications down a drain

  • Dissolve solid medications with water in a resealable plastic bag

  • Add an undesirable substance such as kitty litter, sawdust, or coffee grounds to the plastic bag with the medications to help prevent children or animals from eating, seal the bag, and throw it away in the trash

  • Remember to remove all personal information from the medication container before disposing of them.

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

For more information

In Hancock County: Mia Petrini at (207) 667-7171 or Mia@HealthyAcadia.org

In Washington County: Katie Sell at (207) 255-3741 or Katie.Sell@HealthyAcadia.org

Tracey Carlson