Permanent drug drop-off boxes set-up

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Residents of Hampshire and Franklin Counties will now have permanent places to drop-off their unwanted medicines for free.

Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan announced the 15 new drop-off stations on Wednesday morning; all of which are located at area police stations.

Residents may drop-off any type of medicine in pill form, from vitamins to prescription pain killers; even veterinary medicines are accepted. The dropoff is confidential, and Sullivan says that you do not even need to remove the labels from the medications you leave. After collection, the drugs are to be taken to an incinerator and destroyed.

Sullivan said that with the rapid increase in prescription drug abuse, it is important to get medications that are no longer necessary away from the hands of those who may abuse them.

“The chance of a young person abusing drugs goes up by having them available. Seventy percent of the youth get these medications from their friends or family. So, when a youth may go to a friend’s house, the temptation’s there,” Sullivan said.

The DA added that properly disposing of medications also ensures the drugs will not cause environmental damage. Concerns have been growing recently about the effects of drugs in landfills and waterways.

The confidential drop-off boxes are located at the following police stations:

• AMHERST: 111 Main St.
• ATHOL: 280 Exchange St.
• BELCHERTOWN: 70 State St.
• ERVING: 71 French King Hwy.
• EASTHAMPTON: 32 Payson Ave.
• DEERFIELD: 8 Conway St.(South Deerfield)
• GRANBY: 259A East State St.
• GREENFIELD: 321 High St.
• HADLEY: 15 East St.
• MONTAGUE: 180 Turnpike Rd. (Turners Falls)
• NORTHAMPTON: 29 Center St.
• ORANGE: 400 East River St.
• SOUTH HADLEY: 41 Bridge St.
• SUNDERLAND: 105 River Rd.
• WARE: 22 North St.