September 19, 2023

DEP Introduces Medication Collection Drop Boxes at Police Facilities in Watershed to Enhance Public Safety and Protect Environment

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the installation of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication collection drop boxes at eight DEP Police facilities throughout the Watershed regions. The new drop box initiative aims to address the potential public safety and environmental risks associated with improperly disposed medications.

Unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications can pose significant hazards if not disposed of properly. The new drop boxes at DEP Police facilities spread throughout six upstate counties allow for safe medication disposal with a “no questions asked” policy. Needles and syringes will not be accepted at these drop box locations and should be properly disposed of separately.

“The introduction of medication drop boxes is a crucial step in safeguarding our communities and environment from potentially dangerous chemical compounds,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Proper disposal ensures that these waste medications stay out of our communities and waterways, protecting both our natural ecosystems and public health”.

“We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of our communities and environment,” said NYC DEP Police Chief Frank Milazzo. “The introduction of medication collection drop boxes underscores our dedication to promoting public safety and protecting our natural resources. The medication disposal boxes are a safe, secure and convenient way to clean out your medicine cabinet. Medications can be dropped off with no questions asked.”

Unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications can pose significant hazards if not disposed of correctly. As part of our mission to protect public health, DEP periodically tests for emerging contaminants to determine whether they are present in our reservoir system. In 2009-2010 and again in 2019, DEP conducted studies on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) within the NYC Water Supply and found that the measured concentrations of the detected contaminants were well below any concentration that would present a potential public health concern. Flushing unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication down the toilet, or otherwise improperly disposing of them, can lead to chemicals contaminating our waterways and environment, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering our drinking water supplies.

Collection receptacles will be available to the public at the following DEP Police facilities:

Schoharie County

1st Precinct: 370 State Route 99V, Gilboa, NY (Lobby Normally available M-F 7am to 3pm & by appointment) 607-588-6621

Delaware County

2nd Precinct: 21852 State Highway 10, Walton, NY (By Appointment Only) 607-865-4185

3rd Precinct: 40 New York State Highway 30A, Downsville (By Appointment Only) 607-363-9000

Ulster County

4th Precinct: 2398 Route 28A, Olive Bridge, NY (Lobby Available 7 days a week from 6:30am to 3:30pm & by appointment 845-657-8433

Police Academy: 144 Flatbush Avenue, Kingston, NY (Lobby Available M-F 7am to 3pm) 845-334-7500

Sullivan County

5th Precinct: 7892 State Route 42, Grahamsville, NY (By Appointment Only) 845-334-7878

Westchester County

6th Precinct: 2 Walker Road, Valhalla, NY (Lobby Available 24x7) 914-593-7500

Dutchess County

Aviation Division: 84 Citation Drive, Wappinger Falls, NY (Lobby Available M-F 7am to 3pm) 845-432-7533

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $31.3 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.