LUPD adds drug drop-off box outside new station

As concerns about misuse of prescription drugs increase across the country, many local government centers have implemented a drug drop-off box to allow people to safely and properly dispose of expired medications and needles. The latest to add a drop box is the LUPD, which recently installed a box outside their new headquarters at 321 Packer Ave.

“Unused and outdated prescription drugs in a home can pose a real health and safety concern,” said LUPD Chief Ed Shupp, who worked with the Northampton County District Attorney's Office to have the drop-off added to the Lehigh campus. “There are few opportunities to dispose of these drugs safely, and this is just a simple, common-sense solution.”

Anyone is invited to toss unwanted or outdated medication in the box, which is positioned near the front entrance on Packer Avenue and Polk Street. The county’s Drug Task Force sends representatives to pick up the discarded medication and dispose of it properly. There is no paperwork involved, and no one is questioned about the items.

“It’s anonymous. It’s safe, and it’s a smart way to get these medications out of the home so that they don’t present a danger to anyone else,” Shupp said.

Shupp explained that pharmacies are frequently not allowed to take back medications that are categorized as controlled substances. Increasingly, communities around the country are hosting “Take-Back Days,” but they may be sporadic or inconvenient.

The program is an outgrowth of a national effort begun by the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, who have been providing grants to police departments to pay for the drop-off boxes.

Photo by Christa Neu