Way for citizens to safely dispose of prescription medications

A drug drop off box is now in the Ironton Police Department lobby for residents to safely dispose of prescription medications.

IPD Detective Joe Ross said that there have been numerous requests for such a service to accommodate the residents of Ironton, although there is also one at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office as well.

“The main objective is to keep people from flushing medications down the toilet or drain and contaminating the water system,” Ross said. “And our clerk is typically here from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday for people to drop off.”

Ross said that only prescription pills will be accepted in the drop off box, and that they must be  in a container or at least a clear plastic bag in order for there to not be lose pills in the container. Liquid medications, sharps/syringes and illegal substances will not be accepted.

The department got the container from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.