Home medicine cabinets have become dangerous places these days, as useful medications are falling – at a growing rate – into the wrong hands.

To help alleviate concerns about unwanted or outdated substances in Enumclaw, a “drug drop box” was recently installed at the Enumclaw police station. The drop box, similar to those found in communities throughout the U.S., was a project of the Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation.

The police station is at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Wells Street.

It is the second box available to local residents. The first was installed a couple of months ago inside Jim’s Pharmacy at the Enumclaw Medical Center on Griffin Avenue.

Unlike the pharmacy drop box, which is available to the public primarily during working hours, the box at the police station can be accessed 24 hours a day.

Anyone can get rid of unwanted prescription drugs, veterinary medications, medicated ointments and lotions and new Epi-pens.

Drop boxes are not intended for needles, syringes, thermometers, IV bags, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, iodine products, radioactive items, mercury products or used Epi-pens.

The drop box was funded through a King County grant that targets prescription drug abuse. The county retains ownership of the box.

Enumclaw is no different than other areas when it comes to unused and unwanted medications; that is, there’s a demand for safe disposal. When the RFWF sponsored its most recent “drug take-back” event, collections weighed in at more than 100 pounds.