The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office announced it will no longer accept unused or unwanted medications for disposal.
Sheriff’s officials said the change is due to circumstances beyond the agency’s control and apologized for the short notice.
Beginning June 23, residents will need to use participating pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and other authorized medication collection sites to safely dispose of prescription drugs and other medications.
While the Sheriff’s Office will discontinue its regular medication collection program, it will continue participating in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back events held each spring and fall.
Officials are reminding residents to protect their personal information before disposing of medications by removing or obscuring details on prescription labels whenever possible. They also noted that some collection locations may have restrictions on items such as liquids, sharps, or other medical waste, and residents may want to contact facilities in advance to confirm what materials are accepted.
Additional information about authorized medication disposal locations is available through local pharmacies and healthcare providers.
