Secure Drug Take-Back Sites Announced By JeffCo Sheriff

GOLDEN, CO – The average U.S. household contains about four pounds of unused, expired prescription or over-the-counter medication, a statement form the JeffCo Sheriff's Office said. As opioid abuse becomes more and more of a national problem, safely disposing of excess medications before they can be stolen, abused or incorrectly used is a growing problem

“This excess of medications enables opportunities for misuse and abuse, which can have very serious consequences," said Sheriff Jeff Shrader in a press release. "If medication is taken incorrectly or by people it was not intended for, it could even lead to death.”

The Jeffco Sheriff’s Office announced that they have installed four secure disposal sites for residents to drop off unused or expired household medications.

· Sheriff’s Office Lobby, 200 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden

· Jail Lobby, 200 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden

· South Precinct, 11139 Bradford Road, Littleton

· Mountain Precinct, 4990 County Highway 73, Evergreen

Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins can be disposed of in the drop box. However, Sharps items, chemotherapy medication and marijuana products may not be disposed of in drop boxes. Healthcare facility waste is also not allowed, the sheriff's office said.

The Colorado Household Medication Take-Back Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, is sponsoring the take-back locations. Medication collected in the boxes is securely packaged and shipped off-site, where it is converted to renewable energy.

For more information on drug take back please visit https://www.jeffco.us/1068/Drug-Take-Back-Day.

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