New Paltz Police Chief Joseph Snyder and Phoenix Kawamoto of the Greater New Paltz Community Partnership.
Last week, the New Paltz Police Department and the Greater New Paltz Community Partnership unveiled the newly installed Med Return Drug Collection Unit (drop box). The unit is installed in the foyer area of the main entrance at the police department located at 83 South Putt Corners Road and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The box provides community members with the opportunity to help protect pets, wildlife and the environment, as well as keep excess prescription and over-the-counter medication out of the hands of youth and substance abusers through safe and secure disposal.
“We have always accepted unused and no-longer-needed prescription medication,” said police chief Joseph Snyder. “However, this was a time-consuming process and you were unable to be anonymous. This drop box will allow you to drop off your medication without speaking to anyone or filling out paperwork. It is free and totally anonymous.”
The Med Return was purchased by the Greater New Paltz Community Partnership — a community coalition serving youth and households within the New Paltz School District. The Community Partnership purchased the unit with funds provided through its Drug Free Communities grant award.
Community members may bring in all prescription medications and samples, all over-the-counter medications, vitamins, pet medications, medicated ointments and liquid medication in leak-proof containers. The following items cannot be discarded at the drop box: thermometers, syringes, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide and aerosol cans or inhalers.
For additional information, call Phoenix Kawamoto at 419-3678.