Prescription Medication Disposal

The Carteret County Sheriff's Office is now accepting unused and expired prescription medications at the sheriff's office all year round. Unused and expired prescription medications are a public safety issue than can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. In fact, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are, after marijuana and alcohol, the most commonly abused substances by Americans 14 years and older. In an effort to stop these from occurring, the sheriff's office provides an opportunity for citizens to dispose of unwanted medications safely and securely throughout the year.

The Prescription Drop Box is located in the sheriff's office lobby at 304 Craven Street. Citizens may stop by Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to drop off unwanted and expired medications and keep them away from those at risk of abusing them. The drop box accepts solid pharmaceuticals such as pills, capsules, patches, and pet medications. It cannot accept syringes or liquids. This service is completely anonymous.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the Sheriff's Office will give residents the an opportunity to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your unused medications for disposal to any Food Lion 

In September of 2008, Sheriff Buck created a program where the citizens of Carteret County could safely dispose of unused, unneeded or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to law enforcement officials, who in-turn dispose of these controlled substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner. The program aims to prevent prescription medication from falling into the hands of our youth and also preventing medication from being stolen and abused by individuals.

Sheriff Buck enlisted the aid and sponsorship from many community organizations which include Healthy Carolinians, Coastal Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention, Carteret County Substance Abuse Task Force, Food Lion Corp. and area Law Enforcement personnel.

Residents may drop off unused prescription drugs at the Carteret County Sheriff's Office located in Beaufort. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If unable to deliver the items, call to arrange pickup by a deputy at a business or home location. For more information, contact the Carteret County Sheriff's Office at (252) 728-8400

To date, the program has collected and destroyed over 3.4 million dosage units.