State Introduces 13 New Drug Disposal Kiosks

BOSTON, MA — In partnership with the Walgreens pharmacy chain, Gov. Charlie Baker on Wenesday announced new medication disposal program aimed at reducing prescription drug misuse.

According to the governor's office, Walgreens has installed 13 drug take-back kiosks in pharmacies throughout Massachusetts for easy disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medications at no cost and no questions asked.

Take-back kiosks are located at Walgreens stores in East Boston, Fall River, Framingham, Gloucester, Lowell, Malden, Quincy, Randolph, Roxbury, Stoneham, Stoughton, Springfield and Worcester.

Read more: Mass. Opioid-Related Overdoses Continue Deadly Climb in 2016

Also: CVS Settles with State, Tightens Prescription Drug Policies

Additionally, the governor's offices said, Walgreens has joined other pharmacies statewide in making overdose prevention drug naloxone available without a physician's prescription.

The idea is to provide a safe place to get rid of medications, to prevent them from being abused or misused those they're prescribed to, or taken by someone else. A person could use the kiosks to turn in extra pills if, for example, their physician prescribes oxycodone for a sports injury and he or she only uses half the prescription.

As described in the press release, the kiosks are heavy metal containers with a top, one-way opening drop slot and lock that will be mounted to the ground or wall with direct or video surveillance while the pharmacy is open. Individuals can dispose of all prescriptions including controlled substances and over-the-counter medications. The kiosks will be available for use during regular pharmacy hours.

In the press release, state Sen. John Keenan, D-Quincy, said the state is preparing to impose the nation’s first statewide drug takeback requirement at the manufacturer level.

"I commend Walgreens for this step to help make that program successful," he said.

More information is available at mass.gov/stopaddiction.

Photo via Gov. Charlie Baker Twitter from announcement at Quincy Walgreens