SUMMIT COUNTY, CO – The Summit County Sheriff’s Office pharmaceutical drop-off location in the Justice Center in Breckenridge continues to see steady use by the community. In 2016, a total of 307 pounds or approximately 55 cubic feet of unused medications were disposed of through this site alone.

Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons stated, “It is very exciting to see the community engaging and utilizing the drop-box container at the Justice Center for their unused medications. Every proper drug disposal is a step in the right direction of helping to prevent substance abuse and removing prescription narcotics from illegally being sold or traded on the streets and protect our waterways.”

Going forward in 2017 the Sheriff’s Office will utilize the DEA approved CDPHE state funded “Colorado Medication Take-Back Program”, the drugs are now shipped out to Assured Waste Solutions for destruction at no further cost to the Sheriff’s Office. The CDPHE program does not cover the cost of the manpower hours associated with the initial collection of the pharmaceuticals or any drug take back event, however it does provide drug destruction which can be costly.

Throughout 2016 the unused, unwanted and expired medications dropped off at the Justice Center site by community members are collected about every week and a half by Sheriff’s Office personnel. In 2016, the Sheriff’s Office spent approximately $3,400.00 in collection and disposal efforts.

The ushering in of a new year provides a great opportunity for the community to review their household medications and easily dispose of prescription medication, prescribed controlled substances, over-the-counter medication, medication samples, liquid medications (small volumes in original, non-leaking containers), medicated ointments and lotions, vitamins and pet medications.

Items not accepted in the drug take back box include Schedule I controlled substances (e.g., marijuana products, heroin, LSD), bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, thermometers, IV bags, chemotherapy medication, needles and other sharps, empty containers and business waste. Summit County Public Health maintains a sharps-collection box at the Justice Center as well that is located directly beside the drop-off box.