Where to Dispose Unused Prescription Drugs on Long Island

LongIsland.com

Instead of dumping unwanted medications, bring them to these spots to safely dispose of them.

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Photo: Licensed stock photo [Shutterstock].

There are a number of reasons to take your unwanted prescription drugs to a safe and certified medication drop off center. One, with opiod use at epidemic proportions, any unused painkillers poses the treat to be abused if they fall into the wrong hands. Second, dumping medications down the drain or into the garbage poses an environmental hazard. Luckily, there are safe ways to get rid of your prescription drugs conveniently located all across Long Island.

 

  • Shed the Med Events - Many towns and organizations across the Island host these events where residents can come down to a specific location to get rid of their prescription drugs. This month The Town of Oyster Bay announced it will host a ‘Shed the Meds’ event at Marjorie Post Park, in Massapequa in partnership with Drug Free Long Island and the Nassau County Police Department. The event will be held on Sunday, September 29th and will take place from 9am until Noon. while these events raise awareness for the safe disposal of prescription drugs but there are many places to dispose of medications year-round.
  • King Kullen - Remaining King Kullen stores will still accept medications to safely dispose of them free of charge. According to their website, you can bring your unwanted prescription medications to any of the King Kullen stores with pharmacy departments, and safely dispose of these drugs. They accept prescription containers between 8:30am to 9pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends.
  • Walgreens - The company accepts medical disposal at locations across the Island. Use their web locator to find one near you.
  • CVS - Find a drop box location near you with the locator app on the web.
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - The DEA has an online app that helps you find the closest drop box to safely dispose of your medications.
  • Safe Pharmacy Website - This site has an app as well.
  • Suffolk County - Most police precincts in Suffolk County will accept prescription drugs for disposal. A list of all Suffolk County locations can be found here.
  • Nassau County - You can drop off unwanted prescription drugs at any Nassau County Police precinct.