Brookhaven collects 23 pounds of unused medications

Brookhaven encourages residents to drop off unused drugs, no questions asked.

Brookhaven encourages residents to drop off unused drugs, no questions asked.

The Brookhaven Police Department recently completed a partnership with CVS for the Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program. Over the first 30 days, 23 pounds of unused or expired medication, including controlled substances have been safely disposed of.

The new drug disposal unit, located in the lobby of the Brookhaven Police Department at 2665 Buford Highway, reduces the amount of unneeded medicine in residents’ homes and decrease the potential for prescription drug abuse, which officials say has soared in recent years, especially among teenagers. Proper drug disposal also helps to prevent the contamination of local landfills and water supplies from unused medication.

“The Drug Collection Unit site can take almost everything except liquids and aerosols, said Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura. “It’s safe, open to the public 24 hours a day seven days a week, and drugs can be dropped off with no questions asked.”

Information: www.brookhavenga.gov; www.cvshealth.com.