Stephanie Rodriguez, coordinator
for Chelsea Mobilizing
for Change.
The Chelsea Police Station now houses a new kiosk in its front lobby designed to help residents safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
Chief of Police Brian Kyes noted that “We all have medicine around the house that we have no use for; this is a great way to ensure those drugs are safely taken out of our homes,” residents should take advantage of this secure and environmentally responsible disposal option.
The MedReturn Drug Collections kiosk operates free of charge, maintains confidentiality, and poses no safety risks. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the kiosk requires no explanation or justification from users, officials confirmed.
City Manager Jay Ash warned that “There are many risks associated with leaving medicine around the house, whether unused or expired,” “It poses a risk to children and other family members, and can harm the environment when people throw them in the trash or flush them down the toilet. The kiosk is a great and anonymous way to safely dispose of those medications.”
Data from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that over 70 percent of individuals misusing prescription pain relievers obtained them from friends or family members. City leadership sees the kiosks as an important tool to reduce this problem.
Councillor Leo Robinson emphasized that “We all have a part in reducing accidental or abusive uses of medications, and making sure we do so in the most responsible manner possible,”
A public awareness campaign is planned for June 1st at City Hall, where Robinson, the Chelsea Police, Chelsea ASAP and other partners will promote knowledge about the medication disposal service.