Looking for a safe way to discard unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs? The University of Tennessee Police Department can help.

UTPD has installed a pharmaceutical take-back box in its lobby at 1101 Cumberland Avenue. The secure drop box is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The bin gives the campus community another option to safely dispose of pharmaceuticals,” said Emily Simerly, UTPD deputy chief of administration.

Collection of the medications means they won’t end up in the landfill or be flushed down the drain, preventing them from getting into streams, rivers, and other waterways where they can affect the environment, she said. It also prevents them from falling into the wrong hands.

Medications that can be dropped off at UTPD include non-narcotics, narcotics, over-the-counter medicines, herbals, and veterinary medications.

UTPD will not accept needles, biohazardous materials or illegal drugs.

Once the drop box is full, UTPD will package and send the contents to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to be destroyed.

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CONTACT:

Lola Alapo (865-974-1094, lalapo@utk.edu)