Deterra Pouches Provide Alternative Safe Way For Medication Disposal

During the recent National Drug Take Back Day in April, almost 20 pounds of medications were disposed of in the three permanent drug take back boxes located in Garrett County.

“Unused prescription medications are a threat to those around you,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department. “If not stored and disposed of properly, these drugs can unintentionally fall into the wrong hands.”

The Garrett County Health Department recently received a supply of Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches through a statewide distribution program. Liller picked up 400 pouches at the National Guard Armory in Hagerstown, and later received an additional 1,000 pouches through the same program.

“The pouches were made available in conjunction with the recent National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,” said Liller. “If you were unable to drop off your old, expired medications during the Drug Take Back Day, and you cannot make it to one of the three locations for drop off, you may stop by room 206 at the GCHD and pick up a pouch while supplies last.”

The patented technology used in the Deterra System allows for simple and environmentally safe disposal of prescription drugs, including opioids, by just adding water to the powder in the bag.  The mixture not only neutralizes the drugs, but can safely be disposed of in regular household trash.

In Garrett County, three permanent drop boxes are available for disposal of pills: Oakland Town Hall (8:30-4:30), Garrett County Sheriff’s Office (24/7), and McHenry State Police Barrack (24/7).  These locations cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

The Deterra Pouches distribution was coordinated by Aberdeen Proving Grounds in coordination with the Opioid Operational Command Center, the National Guard, Leidos, and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

By Diane Lee, Garrett County Health Department Public Information Officer