Safe Disposal
Now you can safely dispose of unwanted, unused, and/or expired medications!
There are four "Drug Drop Box" locations in Orange County for residents to drop-off medications and prescriptions. Hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) at all locations.
Locations
- Carrboro Police Department
Century Center, 100 N Greensboro St., Carrboro, 27510
Phone: 919-918-7397 - Chapel Hill Police Department
828 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Chapel Hill NC, 27514
Phone: 919-968-2760 - Hillsborough Police Department
127 N Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-732-9381 - Orange County Sheriffs Department
106 E Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC
Phone: 919-644-3050
Guidelines
Drug drop boxes are intended for liquid and pill medications. Liquid medications must remain in original containers. PLEASE SEAL MEDICATIONS IN A CLOSED ZIPLOC BAG. Pill medications may remain in original containers or be placed in a sealable plastic bag. Do not drop loose pills.
Please remember to remove all identifiable information from containers or packaging prior to disposal.
Acceptable Items:
- Liquid Medications
- Medicated Ointments and Lotions
- Medication samples
- Over the Counter Medications
- Pet Medications
- Expired or Unused Medications
Unacceptable Items:
- Bloody or Infectious Waste
- Empty Containers
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- IV Bags
- Personal Care Products
- Thermometers
- Needles/Lancets/Syringes
If you are unable to safely dispose of prescription medications at the four locations above, please follow these simple steps to dispose of most medicine in your household trash:
- Mix medications (liquid or pills, do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds.
- Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag.
- Remove all identifiable information on the prescription label or medical packaging.
- Place empty bottle or packaging in trash or recycling container (if made of acceptable material).