Thanks to sheriff’s departments, everyday is a good day to rid your home of old, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. And other businesses, including pharmacies and hospitals, offer ways to anonymously dispose of drugs during business hours.
Drop-off locations have rules about the types of drugs and paraphernalia may be left. Some locations allow for liquids while others do not. Contact the organization before you go to verify.
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office: 8293 Mary Ball Rd, Lancaster
The service is free and anonymous. The Lancaster County SO only accepts pills. To dispose of them, talk to a communications officer when you enter the building, show them what you have (they need to make sure there is no liquid or sharps), and they’ll take them from there. So they see you, but they don’t ask for any personal information.
This service is available year round.
Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office: 195 Judicial Pl, Heathsville
NCSO “anonymously collects unwanted, outdated, and unused prescription drugs in a secure collection container in the lobby” of their building. “The Sheriff’s Office can collect pills and patches only; liquids and needles/sharps are not accepted. Disposal is anonymous, no questions asked.”
This service is available year round.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: 106 Wallace St, Warsaw
RCSO accepts pills and patches. Disposal is free and anonymous. Absolutely no questions asked.
This service is available year round.
Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office: 175 Polk St, Montross
The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office collects drugs 24/7 via the “Prescription Drugs Drop-Box” in the SO lobby. The drop-box is easy to find and can be accessed any and all day with no questions asked. WCSO will accept:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Tablets and capsules
- Inhalers
- Creams/ointments
- Nasal sprays
- Pet meds
WCSO will not accept:
- Needles/sharps
- Liquids
- Bloody or other infectious waste (bio-hazards)
Prepare the items for disposal:
- All items are to be in a sealed container, original bottle, zip-lock bag, etc. Loose pills may not be put in the drop-box.
- Personal information should be removed or blotted out with permanent marker.
This service is available year round.
Pharmacies and hospitals
CVS
CVS has either collection drop-boxes or free mail-in bags. The options vary by location. Learn more from CVS.
Walgreens
Walgreens has safe disposal kiosks and safe disposal at home bags. Learn about the options offered by Walgreens.
Hospitals have their own policies. Call the main number to inquire.
Independent pharmacies each have a policy. Call or visit to learn more about safe disposal at these businesses.