Safe Storage and Disposal of Prescription Medicines
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 help 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 helps 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. Click here to locate a drop box near you.
Permanent collection drop boxes or bringing them to a scheduled take-back event near you are the best and safest ways to dispose of medications. However, if these options are not accessible, DO NOT pour medications down a drain or flush them down the toilet. Below are some safe alternatives:
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.
Thank you for helping to keep our community safer!