Collection boxes where the public can dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications have netted more than 1,800 pounds of drugs in the first year.

The MedReturn boxes, similar to mailboxes, were installed in 12 police departments in Lehigh County in late 2013 and early 2014.

The departments had applied for them through a grant program made possible by a partnership between the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The boxes were provided for free to police departments that submitted successful grant applications.

Detectives with the Lehigh County Drug Task Force pick up the discarded medications quarterly.

As of Dec. 31, 2014, 1,871 pounds of medications had been collected.

In October 2014, another MedReturn box was installed in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

The collected medications are incinerated in cooperation with the Berks County District Attorney's Office through the Berks County Solid Waste Management contract with an incinerator in York County, which is an authorized facility designated to perform the destruction of controlled substances.

"It is clear the permanent collection boxes have increased awareness of the serious problem of prescription drug abuse and addiction and the need to properly dispose of over-the-counter and prescription medications," said Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin. "I hope Lehigh County residents continue to use the boxes so medications aren't accumulated in their homes where they pose safety and health risks."

Martin said residents are sometimes disposing of items prohibited from the boxes, such as syringes, needles, Sharps or other sharp objects; intravenous solutions; lotions or liquids; aerosol cans; inhalers; hydrogen peroxide and thermometers.

The only items that can be disposed of in the boxes are: prescription and over-the-counter solid medications, such as tablets and capsules; vitamins; samples; prescription patches; prescription ointments; nasal sprays; and pet medications.

The boxes have been installed in these departments and Lehigh Valley Hospital where medications can be discarded on the days and hours listed below:

·Slatington Police Department, 125 S. Walnut St., Slatington. Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

·South Whitehall Township Police Department, 4444 Walbert Ave., South Whitehall Township. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding holidays;

·Upper Macungie Township Police Department, 37 Grim Road, Upper Macungie Township. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays; and

·Lehigh Valley Hospital, near the pharmacy, 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Salisbury Township.

A statewide location finder is available at ddap.pa.gov.