NEWS RELEASE 22-050 - OCTOBER 27, 2022
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will partner with local law enforcement agencies throughout Sarasota County to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) national event to properly dispose of turned-in prescription medications on Saturday, October 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The sheriff's office has a permanent drop box located at the agency’s headquarters, 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard, Sarasota, which is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Several surrounding agencies also offer permanent drop boxes in their lobbies and will participate in the event.
Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medication such as tablets and capsules are accepted. Liquids and needles will not qualify. While boxes at each location are available to the public year-round, agencies participate in the national turn-in initiative to publicize the permanent option for proper disposal. Medication turn-in is always anonymous.
Drug turn-in events address a vital public safety and public health issue. Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are accessed by family and friends, including through home medicine cabinets. Proper disposal of medication is also safer for the environment.