The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the town collected 75 pounds of unwanted medications during a four-hour event at the town office on April 30.
The town hosts collections twice a year, in April and October. Over-the-counter, prescription and veterinary medications are welcome. Needles and thermometers are not accepted.
Medication collections or “drug take-backs” aim to prevent drug abuse by providing a convenient and safe opportunity to dispose of expired or unused pharmaceuticals.
The events are part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which covers the cost of advertising and materials. The DEA also pays for the disposal of the medications through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-regulated burn at Ecomaine in Portland, according to Harpswell Town Administrator Kristi Eiane.
Harpswell residents who need to dispose of medications before October may do so at the Brunswick and Topsham police departments.
