Medication disposal information

MILLBROOK — Residents of New York state and Duchess County are being urged to drop off their expired or unwanted medication at specified drop off centers and pharmacies established throughout the state, in accordance with an amendment to the New York Drug Management and Disposal Act 2009. 

These measures were prompted by concern of drugs being flushed into the water supply and groundwater affecting aquatic life as well as ensuing health issues and abuse. The amendment to the law requires all medication and drugs to be disposed of safely at centers and seeks to discourage the practice of flushing expired or unwanted medication down the toilet. 

Residents can now safely dispose of their expired drugs and unwanted medications at drop-off centers and year-​long household drop off points in local pharmacies. One currently operating is at Tuminaro Pharmacy, 800 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. Five other drop off boxes are located in 24-hour secure lobbies of police and sheriff departments throughout Dutchess County. 

Mellisa McMorris, public information officer with the New York State Police Troop K, said that the “drop off boxes are available 24 hours with directions on the box for disposal and allows residents to dispose of their medications anonymously and privately.

“Prescription drugs only,” she added, “no needles or sharp objects and lotions if in containers and only people named on the prescriptions should drop the medications off.” 

McMorris said the response with residents and clubs calling for information and using drop off boxes is encouraging. Adding. 

All medication collected from the centers and drop off points are taken to the Waste Management Energy Facility in Poughkeepsie and incinerated, explained Denise Walsh, who is in charge of facility operations at the plant which burns waste and transforms it into electricity.  

Institutions are also encouraged to return expired medications to manufacturers. This is called “reverse distribution,” and is a way for pharmacies, hospitals and other facilities to return unused or expired medications to the manufacturer for potential credit. 

In addition to the proper storage and disposal of drugs, the law also stipulates that all pharmacies and retailers which sell drugs are required to post notices on the proper disposal methods in public locations.

Medication Drop off Centers 

NYS Police Troop K Headquarters, Route 44, Salt Point,  845-677-730

Duchess County Sheriff’s Office, 150 N. Hamilton St., Poughkeepsie, 845-486-3800

Hyde Park Police Department, 3 Cardinal Road, Hyde Park, 845-229-9340

East Fishkill Police Department, 2468 Route 52, Hopewell Junction, 845-221-2111

Red Hook Police Department, 7467 S. Broadway, Red Hook, 845-758-1081

For information on drop off dates and times call 845-223-7858.

For further questions and information email dowinformation@dec.ny.gov, use the contact information in the right column of the www.dontflushyourdrugs.net web page or call 518-402-8233.

This story has been updated to reflect the fact that Tuminaro Pharmacy, 800 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, does not accept medication for disposal.