On Saturday, October 26, between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Charles County Sheriff’s Office will join the DEA in the National Medications Take-Back Program. “This is an important program because unwanted medicines, which often fall into the hands of abusers, can be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner,” said Sheriff Rex W. Coffey.

Although the CCSO offers residents the opportunity to dispose of unwanted medications at any time, the Agency is taking part in this national event to highlight the importance of ridding homes of medicines that are no longer needed.

Sheriff Coffey said prescription drugs, like Oxycontin and Percocet, are popular among drug users who often turn to crime to feed their addiction to these medications. According to the DEA, a majority of abused prescription drugs are stolen out of medicine cabinets by family members and friends of the person to whom the medicines were prescribed. But, disposing of unwanted medications is tricky since the medicines are classified as toxic substances and could harm the environment if flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash.

To drop off unwanted medications, simply bring the medicines to either the Waldorf station at 3670 Leonardtown Road or the La Plata station at 6855 Crain Highway. Remove personal information from the container and drop the medicines in a locked, secured drop box located in the station’s lobby. The medications will be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.

Prescription, non-prescription, pet medicines and vitamins are accepted but they must be in tablets, capsules, and other solid dosage forms. Intravenous solutions, injectibles, and syringes are not accepted.

Media Contact
Diane Richardson
301-609-6557
richardsond@ccso.us