Getting rid of unwanted prescription drugs can be dangerous depending on how it’s done, but Marion officials are hoping to prevent problems before they arise by seeing that all medication is disposed of properly.

Recently, the police and the Board of Health unveiled a prescription drug disposal box located outside of the Police Station on Mill Street.

Many of the local police departments hold prescription drug disposal days a few times each year to educate the public on the proper disposal of the medication. Marion Police Chief Lincoln Miller said the benefit of the newly-installed disposal box is that it is available 24/7.

Miller said too many people think flush drugs down the toilet is a good way to dispose of them.

“You don’t want to flush them because they get in the ground water,” Miller said.

Flushing drugs can cause contamination, he said.

Miller added that leaving unwanted or expired prescription drugs around the house runs the risk of that medication winding up in the wrong hands.

Karen Walega, director of the Board of Health, said that her department frequently receives calls from residents seeking advice on how to dispose of prescription drugs.

Previously, Walega said the Board of Health would collect all unwanted drugs and dispose of them.

With the disposal box now in place at the Police Station, Walega said she is confident more residents will be aware of the potential dangers of disposing of unwanted medication.

“I really do think it’s a great idea,” Walega said. “The chief has been very helpful because we needed the box to be in a secure location and it is at the station.”

Miller agreed.

“I think anything that can help get these off the street is good,” Miller said. “You especially don’t want children getting into them.”