EPD is the ninth community partner to have a medication disposal bin

Eureka Police Department has joined the effort to reduce prescription drug abuse by becoming the ninth community partner to install a medication disposal bin at its Eureka office.



The bin offers a free, convenient way for members of the public to safely dispose of old or unused medications, including controlled substances.  The bin accepts prescription and non-prescription medicines, controlled and non-controlled medications, and pet medicine. The bin does not accept needles, syringes, or Epi-pens.

Humboldt County has a high rate of prescription medication overdose death, and medication disposal bins help reduce the number of dangerous medications in the community.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in five 12th graders in the U.S. report misusing a prescription medicine. According to the California Healthy Kids Survey, many Humboldt County teens who misuse prescription medications say they get them from a parent, friend, or family member without their knowledge. Safe storage and proper disposal of medications help reduce access to dangerous drugs.

Pharmaceutical waste can impact waterways and wildlife; using a medication disposal bins helps protect the environment.

The bin is located in lobby of Eureka Police Department at 604 C Street and is accessible to the public during regular during regular business hours (Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).  Medications should be removed from the original bottle and placed in a sealed/zipped plastic bag before dropping them into the bin.

Funding and support for this service are provided by RxSafe Humboldt, Humboldt County DHHS, and Humboldt Waste Management Authority.