Medication Drop Box to Open at Stratford Police HQ Oct. 19

Based on a release from the Stratford Police Department

Mayor John A. Harkins announced that, “effective Oct. 19, 2013, Stratford residents can now safely and properly dispose of their unused, unwanted, or expired medications without endangering the environment or water supplies.”

Thanks to a grant from Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, a medication drop box has been installed in the lobby of the Stratford Police Department at 900 Longbrook Ave.

“Unused medications left in the home are a growing concern and pose serious risks to health and safety if they end up in the wrong hands," Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour said. "Young people have reported that it is easy to get prescription medications from parents’ medicine cabinets.”

There is growing evidence that medications flushed down the drain endanger the aquatic environment and wildlife.

Conservation Administrator Brian Carey said, “The more that is learned about the effects of drugs entering the environment through the municipal waste water system, the more it becomes imperative people are aware about the proper disposal methods prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication, and medications for pets.”

Medications can be dropped off at police headquarters any time, day or night.

The following items are accepted:

• prescription patches
• medications
• ointments
• over-the- counter medications and ointments
• vitamins
• medication samples
• pet medications

The follow items are not accepted:

• hydrogen peroxide
• inhalers
• thermometers
• needles (sharps)
• aerosol cans
• hazardous waste
• business/professional waste

Stratford Health Director Andrea L. Boissevain urges residents “to help keep excess prescription and over-the-counter medications out the hands of youth though proper and safe disposal.”

For more information, call the Stratford Dispatch Center at 203.385.4100.