Disposing Medication

The Sterling Police Department has established an official safe disposal site for unused or expired household medications. A secure drop box is now installed in the Sterling Police Department lobby located at 421 N. 4th. Street. The drop box was provided through the Colorado Household Medication Take-Back Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. 

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as vitamins, can be disposed of in the drop box. The drop box provides the best option for families to safely dispose of potentially harmful medications. The average American household has four pounds of both prescription and over-the-counter medications. The abundance of medication creates opportunities for misuse and abuse which can have serious, even deadly results. 

"Nearly half of Colorado households have prescription medication that can be abused. The Sterling Police Department's proactive partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on this project provides our community a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted medications to keep out of the hands of children and potentially save a life," said Chief of Police, Tyson Kerr.

Sharps, marijuana products, and chemotherapy medication may not be disposed of in the drop box. It’s also important to note the drop box is intended only for residents to dispose of household medication. Health care facility waste is not permitted.

The Colorado Household Medication Take-Back Program provides communities with materials to safely collect household medication free of charge. The program also covers the cost of transporting collected medications for destruction. Program participants must be law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, or hospitals or clinics with pharmacies on site.

For more information about this program, please call the Sterling Police Department at (970) 522-3512.