Town collecting unwanted prescription drugs

A drop box for unneeded and unwanted prescription drugs has been installed at the Town of Smithtown public safety office.

The box is part of the town’s effort to stem abuse of prescription drugs such as oxycodone. It also keeps residents from harming the environment by carelessly throwing out drugs.

“I hope this new program will encourage residents to properly dispose of their medications to protect their family members and the environment,” Suffolk County Legis. Lynne C. Nowick (R-St. James) said in a statement.

Prescription drugs can be deposited in the box from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. It is stationed at the town Public Safety Department, 65 Maple Ave., Smithtown.

Syringes and liquids are not accepted, said Elaine Economopoulos, director of drug and alcohol services at the Town of Smithtown’s Horizons Counseling and Education program.

The medicines will be incinerated at the Covanta resource recovery facility in East Northport, said a spokeswoman for Nowick. To ensure they are not stolen, armed guards will escort town workers carrying the medicines to the facility, she said. Community groups, town agencies and local lawmakers raised about $300 to purchase the box and promote its use.