Convenient disposal of drugs and medications by mail

Postage paid self-addressed envelopes available at Fire Station

MELISSA (October 15, 2020) The unmistakable popularity of Melissa’s twice-yearly Drug Take Back events demonstrates that the program fills a need in the community, providing a way for residents to dispose of unwanted drugs and medications safely and securely.

                 The complicating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may make it difficult to personally participate in the drug surrendering program, and the fact that expired or unneeded drugs and medications continue to accumulate in medicine cabinets throughout the year have prompted to Melissa Fire Department to offer the SUDS (single use disposal system) pouches to supplement the Drug Take Back events.

                The SUDS are self-addressed, postage-paid large envelopes that can be obtained at the Melissa Fire Station, 1933 E. Melissa Road, inside the entry foyer. Drugs and medications, whether prescribed by a medical professional or purchased over the counter, can be deposited in the envelopes, and dropped in any USPS mailbox.

                The contents will be delivered by the USPS to an approved location for proper disposal. There is no charge for the service, and user are not required to identify a return address on the envelope. Residents may take as many envelopes as necessary but are requested to anonymously fill out an accompanying postcard that provides general information on the program’s effectiveness.  

                The Melissa Fire Department is cooperating with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services in the program, and strongly encourages residents to make use of the envelopes as an alternative to simply throwing the drugs and medications in the trash, or worse, flushing them down home drains. The project is funded by Texas Health and Human Services Texas Targeted Opioid Response. 

                “The SUDS program is especially important for homebound persons,” says Division Chief Chad Reed. “A neighbor, friend or family member can assist by picking up one or two SUDS envelopes, delivering them to the homebound individual, and then retrieving them for depositing in the mail. It’s a service that helps all of us.”

                The envelopes are available 24 hours a day at the Fire Station.