Watertown Police Department
Lt. Michael Lawn (left), Dr. Laura Kehoe of Mass; General Hospital, Lt. Dan Unsworth and Interim Chief Ray DuPuis stand next to the new prescription drug drop box in the lobby of the Watertown Police Station.
The prescription medication disposal box is back in the lobby of the Watertown Police Station.
The big green box had been at the station a few years ago, but was removed because Police could not handle the volume of medication coming in.
“Watertown residents are encouraged to drop off any unwanted prescription medications,” the Watertown Police Department announced. “Residents are kindly asked to place their prescription medications into the available sealable plastic bags prior to disposal. We also have a separate sharps container for the safe disposal of syringes.”
The drop box and syringe disposal is part of the town’s effort to combat the influx of opioid abuse and addiction in town. Several people from Watertown have died from overdoses from heroin and other drugs, this year. For many, the addiction started with prescription pain killers that contain opiates, such as oxycodone, fentanyl and hydrocodone (see a more complete list here).
Prescription medications can be dropped off anonymously, said Councilor Aaron Dushku – who is part of the group working to fight the opioid epidemic. Information about treatment for addiction is also available near the drop box, and there is a sign up sheet for people to get more information, Dushku said.
The Watertown Police Station is located at 552 Main Street.