BRATTLEBORO — If you have unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs, you no longer have to wait for drug take-back events. Brattleboro Memorial Hospital recently installed a MedDrop Drug Take Back box.
The MedDrop box is located in the entryway of the main entrance of the hospital. The blue box has a secure drawer to add the drugs that go into a locked safe. People who want to drop unwanted drugs don't have to be patients at the hospital.
“The ability to easily dispose of unused and unneeded medication serves to strengthen the safety and well-being of our community,” Stephen Kapral, R.Ph., director of pharmacy for the hospital, said in a news release.
Items not allowed include illegal drugs, syringes, needles, liquids over four ounces, aerosol spray cans, trash, medical devices, chemical liquids, or other hazardous materials.
“The secure box has two locks opened by different keys held by different people to help eliminate any misuse of the drugs when the box is emptied,” Kapral explained.
Excess prescription and over-the-counter drugs can pose a serious risk in one's home. The hospital says the MedDrop box will provide a safe, secure way to properly dispose of them, thereby protecting the environment and water supply, as well as reducing the risk of accidental overdose, intentional misuse, or the development of addictions.