The Chelsea Police Department has now installed the “The Big Red Barrel” Rx drop off receptacle in the lobby of the new police station and it’s ready for folks to use.
Dispatcher Dan Whitesall reminded people that they should only drop off only expired medications in pill form.
“No liquids, creams, aerosol items, or syringes will be accepted,” he said.
Here’s how it works.
People can bring their medications into the police station any time day or night. Go to the window and let police know you have medications you’d like to dispose of and you will be asked to put them in a zip lock bag that will be provided to you by the police department.
However, if you’d like to bring the medication in a zip lock bag, then please bring a list of all medications that are inside, so police know what kinds of medications are in the drop off box.
You will also be asked you name and phone number, however, providing this information is optional, Whitesall said.
The red receptacle was installed late last week and already, two people have taken advantage of it.
Because police are “the gatekeepers” for these prescription medications, the box was placed in a secure location.
If folks stop by after hours and the inside door is locked, there is an intercom button to the left to alert police to open the door.
Police will take all the medications to a spot where they’ll be safely destroyed.
