You Can Now Safely Get Rid of Unwanted Drugs In Hamden

Covanta, a world leader in sustainable waste management and renewable energy, has donated a medication collection box to the Hamden, CT Police Department. Covanta’s Prescription for Safety (Rx4Safety™) program provides communities like Hamden a way to safely dispose of unwanted drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, at no cost. 

Through collaboration with the Hamden Police Department, residents of Hamden will now have the opportunity to dispose of their unwanted medications at the drop-off location 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Covanta is proud to provide Hamden a safe and environmentally-sound way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications through our Rx4Safety program. The collection box and ultimate disposal at Covanta’s Energy-from-Waste facilities will keep drugs out of the hands of potential drug abusers and out of our water supplies,” said Joe Vitale Covanta Business Manager Sustainable Solutions.

Prescription drug related deaths now outnumber those from heroin and cocaine combined, and drug overdose deaths exceed motor vehicle-related deaths in over half of U.S. states. When flushed down the drain or disposed of in landfills, medications enter waterways and contaminate surface waters, having an adverse effect on our drinking water and the environment.

Hamden Police Chief Thomas Wydra said, “Medications do not belong in the hands of those that truly do not need them, and this program will help to ensure that they don’t.  By installing this collection box with Covanta’s help, we are making our community a safer and healthier place to live and work.”

Medications collected at the Hamden Police Department 2900 Dixwell Avenue will be destroyed in a safe and secure manner at one of Covanta’s Energy-from-Waste facilities, turning them into clean energy. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art combustion controls and air pollution control equipment to ensure environmentally sound destruction.

For more information, please contact the Hamden Police Department at 203-230-4000.