Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney wants to remind the public of the importance of proper disposal of medications that are no longer needed: “Many prescription and over the counter medications include strong chemicals that should not
beintroduced into our landfills or sewers, this event provides a safe and no-cost way to safely dispose of unwanted medications.”Drop offs will be taken from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 26, 2015 at the Madera County Sheriff’s main office located at 2725 Falcon Drive in Madera, or at the Madera Sheriff’s Oakhurst office located at 48267 Liberty Drive in Oakhurst. There isno fee or charge associated with dropping off unwanted medications.
Collection Day Protocols:
• Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances may be collected. The general public is often unaware of the distinction in medication status.
• This program protects the anonymity of all citizens who wish to dispose their medications. No questions or requests for identification will be made to anyone dropping off unwanted, unused or expired medicines.
• Participants may dispose of medications in its original container or by removing the medication from original containers and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual is encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label.
• All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
• Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood borne pathogens.
• Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers. If an individual attempts to surrender an illicit controlled substance, law enforcement personnel will handle such material as abandoned property in accordance with drug policies.
• Drugs are to be placed in designated drop boxes that will be set up in both Oakhurst and Madera. Law enforcement personnel will not handle the medications at any time.
• No hazardous materials or waste, firearms, or any items other than pharmaceuticals will be accepted or disposed of at the collection sites.
