Three Medication Disposal Boxes Open Throughout Garrett County

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

An easy way for anyone in Garrett County to dispose of unneeded prescriptions is to visit one of the three medication disposal boxes located at the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police Barrack in McHenry, and at the Oakland City Hall.

“It’s unsafe to keep prescriptions around the house when they are no longer needed,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department. “Getting it out of the house and disposed of properly is safer for everyone.”

Although several locations were closed at various times earlier in the pandemic, all three places are currently open and accepting medications.

“Just because you don’t have children in your home doesn’t make it unnecessary to dispose of medication,” said Liller. “Safeguarding and properly disposing of your medicine is one way to help keep your community safe.”

Another way to get rid of medications is to pick up a Deterra medication disposal pouch at the Garrett County Health Department. The pouches use patented technology for simple and environmentally safe disposal of prescription drugs, including opioids, by adding water to the powder in the bag. The mixture neutralizes the drugs, making it safe to dispose of the entire pouch and its contents in your regular household trash.

For more information call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111. This program is provided by the Garrett County Health Department through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration.