By Thomas J. Sullivan–
A new medication drop-off container in the lobby of police headquarters at 6315 Fountain Square Drive is now open to Citrus Heights residents during regular business hours for the disposal of unused and expired prescriptions.
CHPD Community Service Officer Larissa Wasilevsky said the service is free, anonymous, and “no questions are asked.” The container is intended for use only by Citrus Heights residents, but no proof of residency is required.
Wasilevsky said past public practices of tossing unused medicines in the trash or flushing them down the toilet pose “a potential safety and health hazard,” which the new drop-off container aims to help address.
“We’re encouraging the public to dispose of their unneeded prescription drugs responsibly,” she said.
The white medication drop-off container was placed in the lobby of police headquarters last fall, but was locked for public use until necessary handling and disposal procedures were worked out.
Disposition guidelines are posted on the top lid of the container.
Wasilevsky said no medical liquids are to be disposed of in the drop-off waste container. Medications in any dosage form, except for those listed, in their original container or sealed bag are acceptable.
CHPD notes that herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, or other personal care products, compressed cylinders, aerosols, inhalers, medical devices, sharps, needles or devices, illicit drugs or iodine-containing medications are not accepted for disposal.
Wasilevsky said the new medical disposal container is designed to work in conjunction with drug take-back days coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which CHPD participates in each April and October.
More information about the disposal of prescription drugs at Citrus Heights Police Department headquarters can be obtained by calling the department’s non-emergency number at (916) 727-5500.
