How dangerous is your medicine cabinet?

From Geisinger Health

Almost everyone has unused or expired prescriptions taking up space in our medicine cabinets. Unfortunately, they not only clutter our shelves, they can also be dangerous.

All too often, unused and expired prescriptions end up in the hands of young children and even teenagers. But flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash are not great solutions. The medications then end up in landfills where they can harm the environment and eventually find their way into the water supply.

That’s why Geisinger has installed medication disposal boxes at several retail locations in central and northeast Pennsylvania, including a new one at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital. Just bring your old medications and drop them in the box – problem solved. Medsafe medication take-back boxes offer patients a safe way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications.

Frequently asked questions

What’s accepted in the boxes?
Prescription and over-the-counter solid medications, tablets and capsules, liquid medications in the original containers, prescription patches, medical creams and ointments, vitamins, nasal sprays and even pet medications.

Can I bring back narcotics or controlled substances?
Yes. Our boxes are locked and secure so you can return narcotics and controlled substances, and have peace of mind that no one can access them.

Should I leave the prescriptions in their original bottles?
Yes, whenever possible. Remember to black out your name or any other personal information with a marker before returning your medications.

What’s not accepted in the boxes?
Intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes, needles, hydrogen peroxide, compressed cylinders or aerosols (like asthma inhalers), iodine-containing medications, thermometers or alcohol.

When are the boxes available?
The boxes are available for you to dispose of your medications during the pharmacy’s regular business hours.

What happens to my meds after they are returned?
Your medications are securely transported to an incinerator for final disposal.
Below are some locations in the northeast and central Pennsylvania. To find a community take-back site nearest you, visit PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

List of locations:

Columbia County

Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital
Main lobby
549 Fair St.
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-387-2100
Daily: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Luzerne County

CareSite Pharmacy – Dallas
114 Lt. Michael Cleary Dr.
Dallas, PA 18612
570-255-1167
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

CareSite Pharmacy – GWV
1000 East Mountain Drive
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
570-808-7969
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

CareSite Pharmacy – CWB
175 S. Wilkes Barre Blvd.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
570-821-0808
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Weis Markets
70 Phoenix St.
Duryea, PA 18642
570-451-6390
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Weis Markets
1 Weis Plaza
Nanticoke, PA 18634
570-735-3979
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sheehan’s Pharmacy
79 E. Carey St.
Plains, PA 18705
570-823-3151
Monday – Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Harrold’s Pharmacy
25 Old River Rd.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
570-822-5794
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: closed

Lycoming County

Weis Markets
305 River Ave.
Williamsport, PA 17701
570-322-5597
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Weis Markets
801 Loyalsock Ave.
Montoursville, PA 17754
570-368-5599
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Weis Markets
1440 Allegheny St.
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
570-398-7757
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Weis Markets
1916 Lycoming Creek Road
Williamsport, PA 17701
570-326-5144
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Weis Markets
1272 E. Penn St.
Muncy, PA 17756
570-546-7228
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

TJ’s Market/Montgomery’s Pharmacy
49 N. Railroad St.
Hughesville, PA 17737
570-584-2005
Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

Townville Pharmacy at Ben Franklin
2195 Route 442
Muncy, PA 17756
570-546-8672
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.

Montour County

Bush Pavilion Pharmacy
Geisinger Medical Center
100 N. Academy Ave.
Danville, PA 17822
570-271-6451
Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Knapper Clinic Pharmacy
100 N. Academy Ave.
Danville, PA 17822
570-271-8717
Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Northumberland County

Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital
Main lobby
4200 Hospital Road
Coal Township, PA 17866
Open 24 hours

Snyder County

Shade Mountain Pharmacy
9627 Route 35
Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA 17853
570-539-2050
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Weis Markets
719 Route 522
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
570-374-1210
Pharmacy hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dauphin County

PA Fish & Boat Commission
1601 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-705-7800
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed