Clay County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents of proper use for medication drop box

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents that a medication drop box located outside its front door is intended only for certain types of prescription drugs and controlled substances.

According to the sheriff’s office, the drop box is designed to collect controlled substances and prescription pills that could be harmful if they fall into the wrong hands. Officials said the box is not intended for insulin syringes or any type of sharp objects, nor for over-the-counter medications such as cough syrup, patches, creams or headache medicine.

Improper items placed in the drop box can create safety hazards, particularly for the department’s property and evidence officer, who could be at risk of needle sticks. In addition, non-approved items can clog the drop box and require deputies to remove medications from their packaging prior to destruction in an incinerator.

The sheriff’s office cited guidance from the Food and Drug Administration regarding proper disposal of medications when a take-back option is not available.

According to the FDA, almost all medicines — including prescription and over-the-counter drugs in pill, liquid, drop, patch and cream form — can be disposed of in household trash, except for those listed on the agency’s flush list.

The FDA recommends the following steps for disposal:

• Remove medications from their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter. This helps make the drugs less appealing to children and pets and unrecognizable to someone who might search through trash.

• Place the mixture in a sealed container, such as a resealable bag or empty can, to prevent leaks.

• Throw the sealed container in the household trash.

• Scratch out personal information on empty medication packaging before discarding it to protect identity and privacy.

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Residents with questions about their medications are encouraged to contact a health care professional or pharmacist. Those with specific questions about what can be placed in the sheriff’s office drop box may contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Officials said they are happy to help ensure medications are disposed of safely and properly.