After more than ten years in operation, the Tigard Police Department has removed the prescription drug disposal unit from our lobby. In the last three years alone, the department has safely disposed of an average of 1600 pounds per year.
Tigard Police installed the unit over ten years ago because disposal options for prescription drugs were limited to law enforcement agencies. Tigard Police wanted to prevent prescription drugs from polluting our waterways and being misused, especially by teenagers who might access drugs in the home.
There are now more options for disposal. Within the last few years, pharmacies have been permitted by the DEA to accept discarded prescription medications and an increasing number are voluntarily participating in these take back efforts. Additionally the State of Oregon will require drug manufacturers to take back medications in upcoming months, increasing the number of options available to our community.
The decision was a difficult one to make. Space limitations in our lobby and evidence storage room as well as the staff time required to manage the unit were factors in the decision to remove it.
Tigard Police will continue participating in the twice-yearly DEA Drug Tack Back events that allow for the efficient and convenient collection of unused and expired medications.
We would like to thank Tigard Turns the Tide, an organization that helps prevent substance abuse in youth, who supplied the box for us. We have appreciated our partnership over the years.
