Medication drop boxes are available on the Amherst College campus. Medications are defined as prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are unwanted or no longer needed (Examples: expired medication, change of prescription, dorm clean out). No sharp/needles will be taken through drop boxes or resources listed below. Please reach out to Health Services for a sharps container or medical needle disposal assistance.

On-Campus Resources

Drop Boxes

  • Health Services: Medication drop box is available to students during Health Services Business hours. Drop box is located across the lobby from reception, near the entrance to patient exam rooms
  • Environmental Health & Safety: Medication drop box is located at the EH&S Office Door at the Service Center / ACPD Building, Room 105. This box is open to drop-offs 24/7.

Drug Deactivation & Disposal Pouches

Drug Deactivation & Disposal pouches are available through Residential Engagement & Wellbeing (REW). Students can access pouches in the following locations:

  • At REW resource tables, including those of the Student Health Educators, Peer Advocates, and Resource and Programming staff 
  • On the free bookshelves at the REW Office at 38 Woodside Ave., Amherst MA
  • Pouches can also be requested through this REW resource form

Off-Campus Resources

  • The Amherst Town Police station has a collection bin for unwanted prescription and non-prescription medications in pill form only. Amherst Town Police Department drop box located at 111 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002.
  • In general local police/fire departments and pharmacies will offer medication disposal services such as drop boxes, drug take back days and more. Please reach out or view your local departments and pharmacies websites for more information on what resources are available to the public.

Home Disposals

Follow these steps  from the FDA:

  1. Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to children and pets and unrecognizable to someone who might intentionally go through the trash looking for drugs.
  2. Put the mixture in something you can close (a resealable zipper storage bag, empty can, or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out.
  3. Throw the container in the garbage.
  4. Scratch out all your personal information on the empty medicine packaging to protect your identity and privacy. Throw the packaging away.