Sheriff’s Office and city police departments have drop boxes available in lobbies
On Saturday, Oct. 24, law enforcement agencies throughout Sarasota County will participate in a national Drug Enforcement Association (DEA) event organized for persons to properly dispose of prescription medications, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has announced.
The event will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a news release says.
The Sheriff’s Office has a permanent drop box at its headquarters, which is located at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd. in Sarasota, the release notes. The headquarters is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The Sarasota, Venice, and North Port police departments also have permanent drop boxes in each of their lobbies and will be participating in the event, the release adds.
Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medication, such as tablets and capsules, will be accepted, the release explains. “Liquids and needles will not qualify,” it notes.
“While boxes at each location are available to the public year-round, agencies participate in the national turn-in initiative to publicize the permanent option for proper disposal,” the release adds. “Medication turn-in is always anonymous,” it stresses.
“Drug turn-in events address a vital public safety and public health issue,” the release continues. Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family members and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, the release says. “Proper disposal of medication is also safer for the environment,” the release notes.