A medication disposal unit was recently installed inside the entrance to the Damariscotta Police Department for the disposal of expired or unwanted medications. (Maia Zewert photo)
The Damariscotta Police Department has installed a new medication disposal unit in its entryway to allow residents to safely dispose of expired or unwanted medications.
The unit was installed with a grant from Rite Aid’s KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, interim Damariscotta Police Chief Jason Warlick said.
“We pursued this for the convenience and safety of our residents,” Warlick said. “We don’t want (residents) to have expired narcotics in their homes, which may make them a target for theft.”
The stainless steel unit, which is bolted to the ground, is available 24/7, Warlick said. Residents may dispose of prescription medications and over-the-counter medications, but illegal drugs, needles, and inhalers are not accepted.
Residents are encouraged to remove medications from plastic containers while standing inside the police department. When disposing of prescription bottles, Warlick encourages individuals to remove labels containing identifying information, including name and date of birth.
For more information, call the police department at 563-1909.
