University City and West Philly residents can now safely dispose of unused prescription drugs by bringing them to the Penn Police headquarters, where a prescription drug take-back box has been installed. The box installation is a part of the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Take-Back Program, which is focused on alleviating the health and safety concerns from the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.

Improper disposal of prescription drugs can also create environmental hazards impacting groundwater, rivers, and harming wildlife.

Residents are encouraged to dispose of unwanted drugs safely by dropping them in the prescription drug take-back boxes installed around the city, including the new one at 4040 Chestnut Street and  another at 61st and Thompson Streets (19th Police District headquarters). For more drug take-back box locations in Philadelphia, check out this map. 

Residents can bring the following items for disposal:

–    Prescription and over-the-counter solid medications
–    Tablets and capsules
–    Pet medicines

Drugs should be placed in a sealed container such as the original bottle or zip-lock bag. Liquid pharmaceuticals should remain in the original container. Personal information should be removed or marked out with a permanent marker. For more information, go here.

The University City box is located in the lobby of the Penn Police headquarters (4040 Chestnut Street) and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.