DeStefano and Sheriff’s Department Partner for Prescription Medication Disposal Event

In a continued effort to promote public safety and environmental responsibility, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) has partnered with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department to host a prescription medication disposal event. This initiative is aimed at helping residents safely dispose of old and unused prescription medications, ensuring that these substances do not end up in the wrong hands or are disposed of in ways that could harm the environment.

Unused prescription medications, if not properly disposed of, can pose significant risks. They can fall into the hands of children, be misused by teens or adults, or contribute to environmental pollution if flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash. Recognizing these dangers, Assemblyman DeStefano and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department have come together to offer a safe and convenient solution for the community.

The event, which was held at the South Country Library in Bellport, provided a secure drop-off point where residents could bring their unused or expired medications. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department supervised the collection, ensuring that all medications were handled and disposed of according to the highest safety standards.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Department were on hand to assist residents with the disposal process and to answer any questions about the importance of proper medication disposal. They also provided educational materials on the risks associated with keeping unused medications in the home and the potential dangers of improper disposal.

“The response to the Shed the Meds program has been excellent. People are aware of the dangers of unused medications and are making the effort to dispose of them properly,” said Assemblyman DeStefano. “Each time we have an event, dozens of residents respond and a substantial number of drugs are safely handled.”

Improper disposal of prescription medications can lead to several problems. Medications left in the home can become a target for theft or accidental ingestion, leading to potential health crises. Moreover, flushing medications down the toilet or discarding them in the trash can lead to contamination of water supplies and harm to wildlife and potentially drinking water.

The collected medications will be safely incinerated, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to public health or the environment.

Residents who participated in the event expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to dispose of their medications safely. Many acknowledged that they had been unsure of how to properly get rid of old prescriptions and were relieved to have a trusted resource to turn to.

The success of this event and others like it have led to making them a regular occurrence, with both Assemblyman DeStefano and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department expressing a strong commitment to continuing their partnership. By working together, they aim to keep the community safe and ensure that medications are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.