Lewiston Police debuts pharmaceutical drop-off box

The Lewiston Police Department recently received a pharmaceutical drop-off box from the Niagara County Refuse Department. LPD Chief Chris Salada reports area residents can now visit the Lewiston Police Department at 4059 Creek Road between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and leave their unwanted medications.

"This is a great initiative for a couple of very important reasons," Salada said. "Allowing residents a simple and anonymous way to dispose of their medications will result in less poisons being flushed down the toilet, therefore helping the environment. It also removes medications from residences, eliminating the temptation of drug seekers and hopefully keeping it off the street."

The LPD drop-off location is the second of three drop-off boxes in Niagara County. The Niagara County Sheriff's Office provides a drop-off box just inside the jail entrance, and Niagara Falls Police Department is slated to have their box in service soon.

Salada, pictured, noted the service is for the residents only and not for doctors' offices, veterinarians or pharmacies. Acceptable items include controlled substances, outdated medications, unwanted medications, over-the-counter medications or any pharmaceutical waste that is no longer desired/wanted or is expired. Needles/sharps or mercury-containing devices will not be accepted.

"Residents can come into our office, drop off their unwanted medications without any questions or paperwork to be filled out," Salada said. "These medications are ultimately secured and transported by law enforcement to Covanta in Niagara Falls, where all contents are incinerated."

Any questions about the program can be addressed by calling the LPD at 716-754-8477. (photo by Terry Duffy)