Chester County Detectives Crime Scene Unit Detectives Chris Bucci (left) and Gary Lynch.
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced that the County’s Medication Drop-Off program collected over 2.3 tons of unused prescription drugs in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for the 37% drop in numbers from 2019 when 3.7 tons were collected.
“The success of the Medication Drop-off program, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to the resolve of our residents to stop the spread of drugs and drug addiction in Chester County,” Deb Ryan, Chester County DA, said. “When the program started in 2014, we had no idea so many people would turn in this amount of unused prescriptions. Thank you to everyone who periodically cleans out their medicine cabinets.”
“Local law enforcement do a tremendous job of monitoring the drop boxes and hosting Drug Take-Back Days in April and October,” said David M. Sassa, Chester County Chief of Detectives. “Without their efforts in battling the drug epidemic, this program would not be as successful as it is.”
Twenty-eight permanent drug disposal boxes are located around the county in police stations, Chester County Hospital, and Paoli Hospital. The boxes are secured and maintained by local law enforcement, with recovered prescriptions being turned over to Chester County Detectives for disposal.
The Medication Drop Off program was started in 2014 by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association as a means to curb the abuse of prescription drugs, especially oxycodone. Nearly 16 tons of unused or outdated medications have been turned in since then, with 320 pounds collected just since the beginning of 2021.
Eligible drugs include prescription and over-the-counter medications, tablets and capsules, prescription patches, medical creams and ointments, vitamins, nasal sprays, pet medications, and liquid medications in the original bottle. Intravenous solutions, hydrogen peroxide, compressed cylinders or aerosols, iodine-containing medications, thermometers, and alcohol are not accepted. Injectibles, syringes, and needles (i.e., EpiPens) should be taken to a doctor’s office or hospital for proper disposal.
To find the nearest medication dropbox, go to https://www.chesco.org/2673/Medication-Drop-Off
Need help? Click here for treatment and support services offered by Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.
