All citizens---regardless of residency---have the option to dispose of unused, unwanted, surplus, orphaned and expired medicines by depositing them in the permanent drug drop-off boxes located at both Joplin Police Stations: 303 E. Third St. and 115 E. 34th St. (east of Hearne's Blvd.). Drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Before coming to the chosen JPD location, take pills out of all bottles and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Personal hygiene products and liquid medicine will not be accepted. Police officers periodically will empty the drop-off boxes and dispose of the drugs through incineration.

"We are doing everything we can to remove medications from households because abuse of prescription drugs are now the leading cause of death in teenagers," said Kevin Theillen, Safe Teens coordinator. "Unfortunately 12- to 17-year-olds abuse prescription drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined!"

Permanent drop-off boxes are also located at the Jasper County Courthouse in Joplin, the Newton County Sherriff's Office in Neosho, the McDonald County Sherriff's Office in Pineville, and police stations in Carthage, Webb City, Carl Junction, Sarcoxie, Seneca, and Lamar.

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