Programs + Resources

Prescription Drug Safety Tips

How to Properly Dispose of Unwanted Prescription Drugs

• Bring your unused or expired prescriptions to any of the local police stations in Cumberland (24 hours/day), Falmouth (24 hours/day), Freeport (8a-4p), Yarmouth (24 hours/day) and the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office (24 hours/day) in Portland. Leave medications in original packages (no needles or liquids). IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to COVID-19, some drop boxes may be closed to the public, so please call ahead. 
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Days occur in April and October.
• Follow any specific disposal instructions that accompany the medication. You can find a listing of which medications can be thrown away safely from the FDA on their website.
• Any unwanted pet medications are accepted at disposal locations.
• CVS will take drugs at locations that have the drop boxes at the store; these are located in the store.
• Sirum is a nonprofit that accepts donated prescriptions by mail (except for controlled substances).  You can find more information here.

Other Important Safety Information

• Do not share your medications with other people.
• Track and lock up your medications.

Additional Resources
Drug Disposal Information During COVID-19
Current Prescription Drug Use in Maine
Substance Use Among Young Adults 18-25 in Maine
How To Talk To Your Kids About Drugs If You Did Drugs
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention
Fentanyl Safety Recommendations
What Parent’s Should Know About Teens, Drinking and Drugs
SAMHSA Talk They Hear You: Opioids