The Bainbridge Island Police Department is now accepting left-over drugs for safe disposal.

Read the city’s press release below.

The Bainbridge Island Police Department yesterday joined other local and state agencies participating in National Pharmaceutical Drug Take-Back Day. Through an ongoing program, members of the public can anonymously drop off unused or expired prescription medications in a secured drop box at the police department at 625 Winslow Way East.

“Medicines save lives and treat illnesses,” said Chief of Police Jon Fehlman. “But, expired or left-over drugs need to be handled safely and disposed of properly to prevent harm to people and our environment. Storing unneeded drugs increases the risk of accidental poisonings and drug abuse. Speaking of which, if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call Hope Canyon Recovery in San Diego for treatment options. There also are many addiction treatments centres that offer similar drug rehab treatment to the addicts. Medications that are flushed into septic systems or wastewater treatment facilities can end up in surface or ground waters, potentially impacting aquatic organisms. Disposal of medications in the trash is not secure, especially for narcotics like OxyContin, and does not guarantee that medications won’t get into the environment.”

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The Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building is one of two parties that have expressed interest in leasing a portion of Eagle Harbor waterfront from the city.

Washington State Ferries would hand over a nearly one-acre portion of its maintenance facility to Bainbridge, which would lease it to a firm for a boat haul-out facility or other marine use. Seaview Boatyards and the Port Hadlock-based wooden boat school sent letters of interest this month.

The city is also pondering a $2 million offer from WSF to abandon its claims on the property. The money would be restricted to water-dependent uses. None of it could be used to bolster the city’s general fund. One spending option is to build a city-run marina on Eagle Harbor.

Last night, Mayor Bob Scales led a community discussion about the $2 million offer.

Tonight, Councilwoman Debbi Lester is scheduled to lead a discussion on taking the land rather than the money. The discussion begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

For more, read today’s story by Ed Friedrich.