Medications that are poured down the drain or flushed end up in our waterways and drinking water, and wastewater treatment plants cannot remove the chemicals in those medications.  Medicines such as antibiotics, hormones and contraceptives, antidepressants, and pain relievers have been discovered in waterways nationwide. The risks of such chemicals in our waterways and drinking water include impacts on unborn children, dangerous mutations in wildlife such as intersex in fish and amphibians, and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Because of these and other harmful effects, it is necessary to dispose of unwanted medications properly, such as at a designated collection site.

The Carroll County Department of Health offers medication takeback at some of the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection events (availability subject to change). In addition, there are multiple, secure collection boxes throughout Carroll County, see below for a list of collection boxes. Items accepted include unwanted or expired medication, both prescription and over the counter, in tablet, liquid, ointment, inhaler, powder, or patch form will be accepted at the following locations. Loose pills and all liquid medications must be sealed in a plastic bag before dropping into a collection box. Items not accepted are syringes, needles, thermometers, sunblock, lipstick, bandages, gauze pads, deodorants, non-prescription skin cream, and similar products.

Carroll County Medication Takeback Locations:

Westminster

Westminster City Police Department
36 Locust Street, Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-4646

Maryland State Police Barrack – Open 24/7
1100 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-3000

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
100 N Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-2900

Taneytown

Taneytown Police Department
120 E Baltimore Street, Taneytown, MD 21787
410-756-5281

Sykesville

Sykesville Police Department
7547 Main Street, Sykesville, MD 21784
410-795-0757

South Carroll Law Enforcement – Satellite Office
1532 Liberty Road, Eldersburg, MD 21784
410-386-2900

Hampstead

Hampstead Police Department
1112 S Main Street, Hampstead, MD 21074
410-239-8954

Carroll County Sheriff North Carroll – Satellite Office
2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead, MD 21074
410-386-2900

Manchester

Manchester Police Department
3337 Victory Street, Manchester MD 21102
410-239-6900

Mount Airy

Mount Airy Police Department
205 Center Street Suite 203, Mount Airy, MD 21771
301-703-1375