Project D.U.M.P – Disposal of Unused/Expired Medication Properly

As a response to the opioid epidemic afflicting families across the nation, specifically in Western PA, Sheriff Mullen created Project D.U.M.P. (Disposal of Unused/Expired Medications Properly). While the Office is not medically equipped to provide rehabilitative opportunities for citizens, the goal is to eliminate the opportunity for new addicts to interact with opioids for recreational purposes.

Throughout the United States, many public safety departments are providing drug take back programs in response to this epidemic. Unlike any agency in the nation, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office offers at-home pickup, as well as access to our evidence-assigned deputy for opioid awareness events, community events and senior citizen fairs. By providing these different opportunities, the Sheriff’s Office feels that citizens have the comfort of anonymity, as well as a very accessible option to rid their homes of these medications.

From 2014 to 2016, overdose deaths have doubled in Allegheny County. Much of this is due to the influx of Fentanyl, an extremely potent pain medication that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It has been reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, that over 80% of heroin users began their addiction by abusing prescription opioids.

Since the inception of Project D.U.M.P. in April 2016 through November 2020, the Sheriff’s Office has taken in over eight tons of unused and expired medications from Allegheny County residents and have conducted 550+ community drug awareness and take back events. Amongst these pills, the take back programs have yielded many highly addictive medications, such as Fentanyl, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin and many others.

For more information on Project D.U.M.P. or to schedule an event for your organization/community, or to set up a scheduled pickup, please contact Deputy Joe Cirigliano at 412‑459‑5000.