Prescription drug disposal bin becoming problem for Plumstead police

PLUMSTEAD (FOX 29) - On the eve of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, police in Bucks County are considering removing their prescription drug disposal bin.

Officers in Plumstead Township have noticed an increase in needles inside their dedicated drug disposal bin.

Fearful of the origin of the needles, Police Chief Duane Hasenauer has taken it upon himself to sift through the box.

"I do it simply because I don't want any of my officers to get stuck with a needle," Chief Hasenauer said.

Using thick black gloves, the 30 year police veteran sorts through dozens of needles of unknown origin every month.

Some, he says, may be from diabetics who need to dispose of their insulin sharps. But like several other townships, Plumstead has been affected by the heroin epidemic.

"We have our box now in a location where it's 24/7 access, so we don't know," Hasenauer said.

The chief attached a special sharps box to the side of the bin, complete with directions on where each type of disposable belongs, but he's is still finding needles mixed in with the drugs.

"They're doing the right thing. Just use the right bin," Hasenauer said.

Now, police may be forced to remove the box for their own safety if the public continues to ignore the instructions.

"It's a fabulous program, but as a precautionary measure, you have to be careful because people do continue to dispose of their needles in there."