Hubbard council to evaluate prescription drug drop-box after DEA-security concerns

City staff reported security concerns with the prescription-drug drop box now located in City Hall and recommended evaluating alternatives after a police accreditation review found the current location did not meet DEA security standards.

A staff presentation said the box is unmonitored by staff or cameras, City Hall is accessible after hours and the drop box’s unsupervised location increases the risk of theft or tampering. "The box is not monitored by staff and or cameras regularly," staff said, adding that unsupervised use of shared spaces heightens liability concerns.

Councilors discussed alternatives including pharmacy-based drop boxes that require staff or locked access, periodic organized drive-through collection events aligned with DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and no-cost mail-back kits that residents can use to return unwanted medications by mail. One councilor noted the mail-in bags are "that easy" and could be made available at city windows.

Council directed staff to coordinate with the police chief to develop proposed secure drop-off dates and to make mail-back kits available for distribution at city counters; staff said it will evaluate a more secure, monitored permanent location that aligns with DEA standards or transition to coordinated collection events.

Why it matters: staff flagged that continuing to host an unmonitored drop box could create compliance and liability risks; the council favored a programmatic approach (periodic take-back or mail-back options) while working to identify secure local hosting options.

Next steps: staff will work with the police department and adjust the program design, with recommendations to come back to council.