Medication Collection Boxes Paying Dividends

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced that over 350 pounds of medication has been collected from medication collection boxes across Chester County in the first three months of 2014. The collection boxes allow for the safe disposal of unwanted prescription medications to reduce access to addictive drugs in an environmentally safe manner.

District Attorney Hogan stated, “These collection boxes are already paying dividends to the citizens of Chester County. The safe disposal of prescription drugs keeps them out of the hands of children and addicts. Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in America. We are committed to preventing drug addiction in Chester County.”

West Whiteland Police Chief Joseph Catov, whose drop box accounted for over 80 pounds of collected medication, stated, “This program is working exactly like it should. The public is aware of the program and dropping off old prescription medication. Every pill and tablet that we can dispose of safely is medication that can never be misused.”

State Representative Becky Corbin, who helped start the program, stated, “The drop box program is off to a terrific start. I urge the residents of Chester County to keep up the effort. If you haven't had the opportunity to go through your medicine cabinet and collect unused prescription painkillers for proper disposal, please do so now. Let's keep the momentum going.”

The medication collection boxes are located in the Chester County Justice Center in West Chester and the following police departments: North Coventry, Westtown-East Goshen, New Garden, Kennett Square, Parkesburg, West Goshen, West Whiteland, Phoenixville, Oxford, East Brandywine, West Vincent, Tredyffrin, West Brandywine, West Caln, Caln, Coatesville, and Valley.

Citizens can anonymously dispose of their medications in the boxes, which are designed like mailboxes. The program encourages people to remove expired or unwanted medication from their homes to reduce access to addictive drugs for accidental or intentional misuse by individuals, especially children. The medication disposal boxes also offer an environmentally safe, accessible, and convenient alternative to disposing of medication in the trash or sewer systems.

District Attorney Hogan added, “We thank the citizens of Chester County for responding in such a responsible manner to this program. The District Attorney’s Office would much rather prevent drug abuse before it starts instead of dealing with the pain, tragedy, and legal consequences of drug addiction after it has taken hold of our young people. Everybody who participates in this program, from the police to the local politicians who supported the program, deserves a round of applause. But our job is just starting.”

In addition to Chester County’s ongoing collection boxes, this Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take Back Initiative. On that date, local police departments will take back and dispose of unwanted prescription medication at local locations such as participating supermarkets or drug stores. For a full list and locations, please visit the website DEA.gov.