Local Police Station Gets County's First Drug Disposal Unit

On Saturday, Anne Arundel County residents will have the opportunity to participate in Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, an effort to collect expired, unused and unwanted medicine for destruction.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eastern District Police Station in Pasadena, but for those in south county who may not be able to make the trip, there’s a closer, quicker option available.

In a new initiative to make throwing away prescription medication easier, the now has a brand-new MedReturn drug disposal station—the first of its kind in the county.

The small, green tin allows residents to bring in any unwanted prescription drug and simply toss them into the disposal chute.

Lt. Tim Altomare, executive officer of the southern district, said there is no paperwork and no hassle. Usually when an officer receives prescription drugs, there’s a lot of paperwork and a formal procedure. But with the new disposal units, it makes life easier for both law enforcement and residents.

Altomare, an 18-year veteran of the police department, said he hopes the new units will help people dispose of drugs sooner so they don’t fall into the hands of children or those seeking to abuse the medicine.  

“Prescription medication is on the forefront of drugs being abused these days—antidepressants too,” Altomare said.

The MedReturn unit is located just beyond the front doors of the Southern District Police Station and using it is as simple as returning a video.

Whether disposing medication at the countywide event or at the new disposal unit, the service is free and anonymous, Altomare said. 

Last year, police collected of prescription medication.