43,251 lbs. of Unneeded Medication Were Disposed of by CT Residents - Here are the Drug Drop Boxes Closest to Cos Cob

CT State is proud to announce an increase in the use of drug drop boxes in 2018. The drug drop box program helps save the lives of Connecticut children as well as the environment.

Unwanted medication should not be flushed down the toilet or sink!  

There are now 95 drug drop boxes at law enforcement stations in Connecticut registered with DCP. The Drug Drop boxes closest to Cos Cob are as follows:

Location_NameAddress
NORWALK DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICE1 MONROE ST, NORWALK
NEW CANAAN POLICE DEPARTMENT174 SOUTH AVE, NEW CANAAN
DARIEN POLICE DEPARTMENT25 HECKER AVE, DARIEN
GREENWICH POLICE DEPARTMENT11 BRUCE PL, GREENWICH

In CT, there are several ways that consumers can safely dispose of unwanted medications.

“Disposing of unneeded medication safely is just one way to prevent addiction and overdoses,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “We’re pleased to see a steady growth in the number of drop boxes, and in the medication being disposed of. We want to thank law enforcement for hosting drop boxes in the state, and for their continued collaboration in making this program a success. We look forward to coordinating even more with our sister agencies and partner organizations to keep families safe”

Although using the toilet or sink prevents someone from accidentally taking the medications, disposing of them in this way causes water pollution and has adverse effects on septic systems, sewage treatment plants, fish and other aquatic wildlife. Trace amounts of all kinds of drugs have also been found in some drinking water supplies because they pass through septic systems and sewage plants untreated according to the CT Department of Environmental Protection.

“Thanks to the efforts of the people and communities of our state, in just one year, more than 20 tons of medications have been safely destroyed and kept out of the wrong hands,” said Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. “Preventing addiction and limiting access to dangerous medications is one way we can all play a role in stemming the tide in the opioid crisis.”

In addition to disposing at a drop box, families can dispose of medication safely at home by running medication under hot water, combining it with an undesirable material, sealing the container, and throwing it out.

Families with complaints, questions, or concerns may contact DCP’s Drug Control Division by emailing dcp.drugcontrol@ct.gov, or by calling (860) 713-6065.

Drop Box Collection Results By Year:

Year

# of Boxes

Amount Burned (lbs.)

2012

22

3,639

2013

34

8,149

2014

49

15,930

2015

53

23,651

2016

71

33,803

2017

79

37,541

2018

95

43,251

 

What CAN and CANNOT be discarded in local medication drop-boxes

YES:

• Over-the-counter medications

• Prescription medications

• Medication samples

• Medications for household pets

• Medicated lotions or ointments

NO:

• Needles or other “sharps”

• Hazardous waste

• Thermometers

• Personal care products (shampoo,etc.)

Safe disposal options for drugs can be found here. For more information, please see the CT State Department of Consumer Protection website here.

Note: Schools that want to dispose of controlled substances should call the Drug Control Division of the CT Dept. of Consumer Protection for assistance at 860-713-6065.     

 

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Submitted by Cos Cob, CT

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