Proper disposal of prescription drugs helps reduce drug abuse and maintain water quality. The Salem Police Department provides a drug disposal box in the police station lobby. The disposal box is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Per federal guidelines: Medications from pharmacies, medical clinics, physician offices, and assisted living/adult foster care facilities cannot use this service and must contract with a local garbage company for disposal service.

Acceptable items

• Expired or unused prescription tablets and capsules
• Inhalers
• Medication patches
• Vaping devices (batteries removed) and any vaping products.

Unacceptable items

• Any over-the-counter product
• Liquids (including insulin and insulin pens)
• Needles
• Syringes
• Medical waste
• Personal cleanliness products
• Samples and medicines from care homes and doctor offices.
• Vaping devices with permanently installed batteries or batteries still in the device.

You can get rid of medicines at home using guidelines from the US Environmental Protection Agency.