Rid yourself of unused medications in take-back

Nearly 60,000 pounds of unused or expired medication was collected in Wisconsin, at Prescription Drug Take Back Day in April 2022 – the largest amount collected in the country, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Community members are encouraged to help boost that number even more, during the next event Saturday, Oct. 29.

Results from the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health in 2020, found nearly 10 million Americans misuse controlled drugs; most obtain the medications from family and friends, either by asking them or via the home medicine cabinet.

People are not to dispose of medicines down the drain or toilet, or throw them in the garbage. Over time, trace amounts of medications can leach into the ground and contaminate rivers, lakes and wells. This negatively impacts fish and other aquatic species.

Community members need to take unwanted or expired medications to the take-back event held near them. It’s best to place solid, non-liquid medication(s) in a sealed plastic bag, rather than dropping off plastic pill containers with personal information on them.

The following items will be accepted at locations around the state: prescription and over-the-counter medications; ointments; patches; inhalers; creams, liquids and non-aerosol sprays in the original packaging; vials; pet medications; vaping devices and cartridges – batteries will not be accepted.

Do not take illegal drugs; aerosol cans; mercury thermometers; personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.); household hazardous items (paint, oil, pesticide); needles/sharps; bio-hazard materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood).