Why are there unused medicines?

We rely heavily on pharmaceuticals in our current medical system. Drug consumption in the U.S. has grown 109% from 2000-2004. 4 out of 5 patients leave their doctor's office with at least one prescription. Doctors often discontinue medications, causing others to go unused. Consumers also purchase certain drugs in large quantities that eventually expire. A recent take-back program in San Francisco found the average household had 2.7 pounds of unwanted or expired drugs. Source: Teleosis Institute

What do you accept?
All non controlled, non hazardous medications, this includes vitamins/supplements and homeopathic remedies, creams, oils, ointments, suppositories, etc., for information, consult lists or pharmacists. All controlled substances can be returned to the police department.

What does the Pontiac Police Department do with the controlled substances?

Police Standard Operating Procedures

How do I bring the pills back to the pharmacy?
They can accept pills in any packaging, including glass, plastic container or baggie(Ziploc) or foil. Write the name of the drugs on the bag and bring to take-back site.

Can I bring back inhalers?
If they are empty you can put them in your regular recycling bins, since they are made of plastic and aluminum

Do you recycle the bottles?

The pharmacies do their best to sort medications and recycle packaging when they have staff time. Unfortunately, many medication containers are not recyclable.

If you choose to recycle the packaging at home, put medications in an air-tight sealed plastic bag (Ziploc). Write the name of the drugs on the bag and bring to take-back site.

Can I recycle anything at home?
Vitamin, supplement, and over-the-counter packaging are generally recyclable (#1 & #2 plastics, glass and paper)

Consult bottom of container for information on number plastic, and look to see recycling options in your area

Are there statistics for me to look at?
Not yet but we will be collecting the data to post at a later date

Why do you collect our information?
We compile the data to determine relevant statistics such as: most common drug returned, most common reason for disposal, etc.

In the near future data will be sent to pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers, as well as government agencies in order to raise awareness about the significance of unwanted pharmaceuticals in the waste stream, and build support for take-back programs nationwide

How can I protect my privacy?
A permanent marker is available to mark out your personal information.

What do you do with the medications?

The medications are incinerated to produce energy

Is incineration of the medications and/or plastic safe? Are toxic compounds released into the air?
Incineration is currently the most environmentally safe technology for the safe disposal of   medications. The process is highly regulated by EPA, and significantly minimizes contamination of air particles compared with other medication destruction methods.

We do our best to recycle packaging materials. Unfortunately, most common prescription vials are #5 plastic and are not recyclable. The incineration facility takes all the steps necessary to ensure that the byproducts of incineration are trapped and not released into the atmosphere.