Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) - The Twin Falls Police Department has opened a year-round prescription drug disposal location,
which will provide a safe and secure site to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs in Twin Falls.
Improper disposal of unwanted prescription drugs can lead to several health hazards, such as environmental damage when flushed down toilets or even prescription drug abuse by individuals who seek the drugs for illegal use. According to a University of Michigan survey conducted in 2011, prescription drugs were among the most commonly abused—preceded only by alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has hosted a bi-annual Prescription Drug Take Back event in Twin Falls, however, citizens voiced concerns about the lack of a year-round place to securely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
In response to citizen concerns, the Twin Falls Police Department purchased a secured bin that is located in the front lobby of the department at 321 2nd Ave. East in Twin Falls. Citizens may dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs at anytime—the lobby is open 24 hours.
The Twin Falls Police Department believes that this service will reduce the likelihood that prescription drugs will fall into the wrong hands, and offer citizens an alternative to improperly disposing of prescription drugs in a way that could harm our water supply.
The bin is for prescription pills and patches only. No liquids, syringes or other forms of controlled substances are to be deposited in the bin. Those items must be properly secured due to evidence policy. Twin Falls Police Department’s evidence personnel will dispose of the bin’s contents.