MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) This Saturday, April 26, local police departments and public health agencies across New Hampshire will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s annual spring initiative to safely dispose of unused and expired medications. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can drop off prescription drugs—pills or liquids—at participating collection sites including police departments in Keene, Jaffrey, Claremont, Peterborough, Troy, Rindge, Walpole, and Winchester. Additional collection points include the Walpole Recycling Center, Claremont CVS, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office in Newport.

The campaign’s goal is to reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings while protecting water systems and the environment. Proper disposal prevents these substances from falling into the wrong hands or being flushed into wastewater systems.

For those unable to attend the one-day event, permanent drop boxes are available year-round in several communities, including Keene, Brattleboro, Hinsdale, and Jaffrey. These boxes are a secure option for ongoing medication disposal.

While most medications are accepted, collection sites will not take syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs. For safe needle disposal, Keene offers dedicated receptacles in public restrooms, parks, and at the police station. Additional needle drop locations include the Charlestown and Rindge police departments. More resources are available at SafeNeedleDisposal.org.

Household sharps such as syringes and lancets must be handled with care. According to the NH Department of Environmental Services, used sharps can be disposed of in rigid, labeled containers through household trash services—provided the disposal site permits it. Alternatives like mail-back programs, pharmaceutical disposal options, and needle cutters also exist for safer at-home management.

These disposal efforts aim not only to keep families safe but also to reduce environmental contamination and the burden on waste handlers.