Turn In Prescription Medication Program

There are many risks associated with storing prescription drugs that are not part of a current drug therapy.  The prescriptions may be outdated and not effectively treating the symptoms they are intended for.  If prescription drugs are being stored and the person they are for is not taking them according to the prescription, it is possible they could be taken by mistake or potentially stolen. If prescription drugs are disposed of in our water suppy, a potential for contamination to the water occurs.

Additional Important Information

According to Denis Yost, Pharmacy Director at Kootenai Health:

"Saving unused prescription drugs is a bad idea.  Certain drugs tend to degrade and some even become toxic over time.  Others are heat senstive or have active ingredients which can settle, meaning you can't be sure of the proper dosing.  When you have finished your course of treatment with a prescription, dispose of it."

Cynthia Taggart of Panhandle Health District (PHD) advises:

"Preventing misuse of discarded drugs by removing them from their original containers and mixing or crushing them with an unappetizing substance, such as kitty litter. Seal the results in a bag or jar and toss it out with the household trash."

Sid Fredrickson of Coeur d'Alene City Wastewater states:

"There is a growing concern that personal care products and pharmaceuticals can pass through a wastewater treatment plant and end up poisoning aquatic life in our rivers and streams.  We ask citizens not to flush these products down the drain."

Drugs Down the Drain, Into Your Your Glass

Pharmaceuticals in More Drinking Water:  An investigation by the Associated Press found that drinking water supplied to at least 46 million Americans carried residues of antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stablizers, sex hormones and other pharmaceuticals.

Do Not Dispose of Prescription Medication into Our Water System!

If prescription drugs are disposed of in our water supply, a potential for contamination to the water occurs.

Law enforcement's goal is the reduction of prescription medications that are diverted for illegal use, by theft or misuse.  By encouraging the public to turn in unused medications, we will reduce the amount of medication abused by our young people.  By working together, we can all make a difference.  

Chief Wayne Longo, Coeur d'Alene Police Department 

The Coeur d'Alene Police Property & Evidence Office works in conjunction with the Idaho State Police to dispose of these items in a safe manner.  If you have prescription drugs that are outdated, no longer needed or you just do not know what to do with, please contact us at the Coeur d'Alene Police Department. We are available 24-hours a day to assist in the proper disposal of your pharmaceutical items.

For Additional Information Please Contact Us At:

Coeur d'Alene Police Department
Property & Evidence Office
3818 Schreiber Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815

Phone:(208) 769-2320 or (208) 769-2260

Click below to Download Our Educational Pamphlet

 TURN IN PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM