Chester County Drug-Return Collects 2.3 Tons Of Unused Medication

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Chester County's program to collect unused prescription medications collected more than 2.3 tons of prescription and other drugs in 2020.

The county's medication drop-off program saw a reduction in returned unused medications over 2019, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said this week. In 2019, 3.7 tons of prescription medications were turned in, showing a 37 percent drop because of COVID-19.

In January 2021, 320 pounds of unused prescriptions have been collected.

"The success of the medication drop-off program, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to the resolve of our residents to stop the spread of drugs and drug addiction in Chester County," said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan.

"When the program started in 2014, we had no idea so many people would turn in this amount of unused prescriptions. Thank you to everyone who periodically cleans out their medicine cabinets," Ryan added.

Police stations around Chester County are home to 28 permanent drug disposal boxes, along with those at Chester County Hospital and Paoli Hospital. The boxes are secured and maintained by local law enforcement, with recovered prescriptions being turned over to Chester County Detectives for disposal, the district attorney's office said.

David M. Sassa, Chester County Chief of Detectives said without the efforts of residents in battling the drug epidemic, "this program would not be as successful as it is."

"Local law enforcement do a tremendous job of monitoring the drop boxes and hosting Drug Take-Back Days in April and October," Sassa said.

The Medication Drop Off program was started in 2014 by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association as a means to curb the abuse of prescription drugs, especially oxycodone. Nearly 16 tons of unused or outdated medications have been turned in since then.

Eligible drugs include prescription and over-the-counter medications in varied forms, including tablets and capsules, prescription patches, medical creams and ointments. Even vitamins, nasal sprays, pet medications, and liquid medications in the original bottle may be returned. Residents may also turn in intravenous solutions, hydrogen peroxide, compressed cylinders or aerosols, iodine-containing medications, thermometers, and alcohol are not accepted.

Injectibles, syringes, and needles — including EpiPens — should be taken to a doctor’s office or hospital for proper disposal, the county said.

To find the nearest medication dropbox, go here.

Need help? Click here to find treatment and support services offered by Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.