(McCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky.) – The Purchase District Health Department and McCracken County Sheriff’s Department have joined forces to expand safe medication disposal options for county residents, officials announced.
The partnership, funded through a fiscal year 2023 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) grant awarded to the Purchase District Health Department, includes the acquisition of a medi-burn incinerator and a public drug take-back box.
The incinerator will enable the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office to safely and permanently destroy drugs and drug paraphernalia on-site, eliminating the need for costly out-of-county disposal trips while keeping dangerous substances out of local streets and water supplies.
“The Sheriff’s Office is excited to have the incinerator and the drug disposal box,” a department spokesperson said. “This will help residents safely dispose of drugs and it is saving the county money. Previously, our office had to travel out of county to properly dispose of drugs and drug products. This will be much more efficient for us.”
New Drop Box Available at Courthouse
A new drug take-back box has been installed in the lobby of the McCracken County Courthouse at 300 Clarence Gaines Street. The blue and white receptacle accepts over-the-counter medications, expired or unwanted prescriptions, prescription patches, sample medications, and vitamins.
Items not accepted include needles, syringes, lancets, thermometers, empty bottles, biohazardous materials, and bloody waste. A complete list of acceptable and prohibited items is posted on both sides of the box.
Addressing Environmental and Public Health Concerns
The initiative addresses growing concerns about pharmaceutical pollution. According to a 2024 study by Abdullah Salem Alharbi, “improper disposal of pharmaceuticals can lead to significant environmental harm, including water pollution and biodiversity loss. These contaminants can enter the human water supply, raising concerns about the long-term implications for public health.”
Cameron Burkeen, PDHD’s Harm Reduction Project Manager, emphasized the prevention benefits of proper medication disposal.
“First time usage of drugs may come from having easy access in the home,” Burkeen said. “It is important for guardians to get rid of any unused or expired medication to prevent future substance misuse.”
Residents seeking additional year-round drug disposal locations can contact the Purchase District Health Department for a “Drug Take Back Map” or visit the DEA’s drug take-back box locator at https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.
