Ohioans dispose of 12 tons of unwanted prescription drugs

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio

Ohio officials say that residents have disposed of more than 12 tons of unwanted prescription drugs since drop boxes were introduced two years ago.

The secure, mailbox-style disposal bins were provided to more than 60 law enforcement agencies in October 2012.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office says that 4.4 tons of prescription drugs were taken in during the first year, and at least 8.4 tons were disposed of in the boxes during the past year.

DeWine says the increase shows more Ohioans are realizing the importance of properly disposing of unneeded prescriptions.

The use of drop boxes also ensures the drugs do not pollute waterways after being flushed down a toilet or dumped down a drain. All drugs discarded in the drop boxes are safely destroyed.